The port workers are resuming protests at every general-interest Spanish port. The Coordinadora Estatal de Trabajadores del Mar CETM, the leading union in the cargo handling sector at the docks, has issued a pre-strike notice for April 3. The organization states that the stoppage responds to European Union decisions that directly affect labor relations and the provision of port services by stevedores.
These labor relations shift with the entry into force of new EU rules on shipping emissions rights. The workers will protest against the EU for favoring certain ports, noting that shipping lines redirect cargo to ports such as Tangier and Nador in search of lower port costs. The new ETS regulation aims to cap CO2 emissions with the objective of decarbonizing maritime transport.
The federation brings together 15,000 members across 14 unions in 12 European countries. This central union aligns with the decision taken by the European Dockworkers Council, a collective of port worker organizations from France, Slovenia, Sweden, Denmark, Cyprus, Malta, Greece, Montenegro, Italy, Croatia, Portugal, and Spain. Consequently, the mobilization will affect dock workers across the EU, including Spain, with exceptions for essential services such as the movement of perishable or hazardous goods, population supply, and regular passenger liner traffic.
The pre-strike note includes a request for the European Union, the stevedoring companies, the Central Port Employment Centers, the Port Authorities, and the Spanish state representatives to defend the union’s call for the creation of a Social Dialogue Commission for ports. This body would feature all involved actors and listen to the needs of social and economic stakeholders, as stated by the leadership under Antolín Goya.
Envisioning Dialogue
Coordinadora demands that the proposals raised by social, economic, and port administration groups regarding the European Union Emission Trading System, included in the Fit for 55 package and effective since January 1, 2024, be acknowledged. The 13:30 to 15:30 strike window coincides with a Brussels demonstration announced by the European Dockworkers Council, with Coordinadora planning to join with a delegation.
Coordinadora notes that maritime transport currently accounts for more than 70 percent of international trade, underscoring the importance of European ports for economic development. Yet, the workers observe that political choices at the community level have favored corporate interests over labor, salary, training, and safety conditions for port personnel.
The federation has actively participated in the Social Dialogue Commission in pursuit of a balance between efficient port development and dignified working conditions. It laments the lack of action from European policies. The union asserts that so far the European Social Dialogue has not proven to be an effective tool for balancing port policy, sustainable growth, and guarantees of fair labor, wages, and safety.