Employment: Commission proposes Directive to improve the working conditions of workers in the sea fishing sector

Today, the European Commission has adopted a proposal for a Directive improving the working conditions in the sea fishing sector. The Directive will implement the agreement reached by the EU social partners in this sector, which aligns EU law with the "Work in Fishing" Convention 2007 of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), thus creating a higher level of protection for fishermen in the EU.

Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility, Marianne Thyssen, said: "Protecting our workers and their well-being is a priority for the Juncker Commission. More than 100,000 people in the EU work in the fisheries industry, often under difficult circumstances at sea. The accident and injury rate can be 15 times higher compared to other sectors. Today's proposal will help to reduce the risks that fishermen face at work. The proposal is based on an agreement of the European sectoral social partners and an excellent example of their ability to work together to improve working conditions."

The proposed Directive will improve the living and working conditions of fishermen. It includes minimum requirements for:

• Work on board (e.g. minimum age, medical certificate, information in the employment contract).
• Conditions of service (working time limits, right of repatriation).
• Accommodation and food.
• Occupational safety and health protection, including medical treatment on board and ashore.

Furthermore, the implementation of this social partner agreement in EU legislation will set an example for third countries to ratify the 2007 ILO Working in Fishing Convention. This is particularly relevant in the context of the fight against illegal fishing.