Commission to propose Directive on working time of inland waterway workers

On 7 July, the Commission will propose a Directive on working time for inland waterway workers. The proposed Directive would implement an agreement reached by EU-level representatives of employers and employees in this sector, which is adapted to the distinctive working conditions on inland waterways. It would facilitate the application of the maximum working time rules on passenger and cargo transport ships and barges on inland waterways throughout the EU. These rules would therefore contribute to improving the working conditions of 31,000 shipboard personnel and to fairer competitive conditions for the 9,645 enterprises active in this sector. The proposed Directive would complement the general working time Directive (2003/88/EC), which does not cover inland waterway workers.

The proposal will be forwarded to the EU's Council of Ministers and the European Parliament for adoption.

Background

Workers on inland waterway transport have specific irregular work patterns compared to workers on land. They often work long hours in a short period of time, live at their workplace, and usually take longer rest periods at the end of the season.

Since over 75% of the inland waterway transport in the EU takes place across more than one Member State, companies and workers would benefit from EU level coordination of rules on maximum working time.

EU-level representatives of employers and employees concluded this agreement on 15 February 2012 and asked the Commission to submit it to the Council for implementation as a Directive, in accordance with Article 155 of the Treaty. The Commission has examined closely the content and impact of this agreement from the angles of legality, representativeness and economic and social effects.

Link to the agreement (all language versions)
Link to other sectoral working time rules

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