On 17 October 2003, the European-level social partners in the railway sector - the Community of European Railways (CER) and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) - reached agreement within the framework of the EU social dialogue process ( EU9808122F [1]) on what they described as 'several important social framework conditions for the European railway market'. This is the outcome of negotiations between the two parties which began in February 2003, focusing specifically on two issues: a licence for European locomotive drivers; and working conditions for mobile workers employed in cross-border railway services.[1] www.eurofound.europa.eu/ef/observatories/eurwork/articles/undefined-working-conditions/the-sectoral-social-dialogue-in-transport-working-time-firmly-on-top-of-the-agenda
In October 2003, EU-level trade union and employers' organisation in the railway sector reached agreement on a common European licence for locomotive drivers and a range of minimum social standards in the industry.
On 17 October 2003, the European-level social partners in the railway sector - the Community of European Railways (CER) and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) - reached agreement within the framework of the EU social dialogue process ( EU9808122F) on what they described as 'several important social framework conditions for the European railway market'. This is the outcome of negotiations between the two parties which began in February 2003, focusing specifically on two issues: a licence for European locomotive drivers; and working conditions for mobile workers employed in cross-border railway services.
On the issue of licences, the social partners have agreed on a common licence for locomotive drivers across Europe. They have also defined common European minimum health and competence standards 'in order to facilitate the interoperability of staff'.
In the area of working conditions, the social partners have agreed on a range of minimum social standards, including in the areas of driving time and rest time. They hope that this will guarantee the health and safety of staff and ensure the safe operation of rail services, in addition to averting 'social dumping' in this sector.
CER and ETF will now submit these agreements to the competent bodies of their organisations for official signing in the near future. They will also inform the European Commission about the agreements and expect that it will take them into account when it puts forward new legislative proposals on the certification of train drivers.
Johannes Ludewig, the executive director of CER, stated that 'with the result of these talks, we have achieved a remarkable success. These first ever negotiations between the railway partners on a European level have contributed to shaping a common European market for rail transport.' Similarly, Norbert Hansen, president of the ETF railway section, stated that 'the agreements are an indispensable conditions for a social, fair and safe European railway environment.'
Eurofound suosittelee, että tähän julkaisuun viitataan seuraavalla tavalla.
Eurofound (2003), European-level agreement in rail sector, article.
