(2004/C 70 E/008)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2997/02

by Rosa Miguélez Ramos (PSE) to the Commission

(23 October 2002)

Subject:   Measures to reduce fisheries accidents

Paragraph 33 of the EP's resolution of 5 April 2001 on Fisheries: safety and causes of accidents (1)‘calls on the economic and social operators, through the social dialogue, to work towards establishing collective agreements so as to develop aspects relating to safety at work including vocational and continuing training’.

Has the Commission done anything to encourage this social dialogue, or does it intend to do so? What progress has been made in this area?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(4 December 2002)

In its Communication entitled ‘Adapting to change in work and society: a new Community strategy on health and safety at work 2002-2006’ (2), the Commission pointed out that the social dialogue is an excellent instrument for establishing innovative approaches. It allows effective application of existing legislation and considers all the questions linked to the promotion of well-being at work while taking account of the risks and specific problems associated with particular branches and professions.

Furthermore, as far as the common fisheries policy is concerned, in the aforementioned Communication the Commission stated its intention to invite the social partners to identify measures aimed at improving living, working and safety conditions in the fisheries sector.

In this context, with a view to encouraging and supporting cross-industry and sectoral social dialogue, the Commission organises meetings of the social partners in the framework of the maritime fisheries sectoral social dialogue Committee.

Within this committee, the social partners identify and consider issues of common interest, such as vocational training and workplace safety.

In this context, the social partners are considering the establishment of a European network for vocational training and employment (Refope).

(1)  OJ C 21 E, 24.1.2002, p. 359.

(2)  COM(2002) 118 final.