Luxembourg’s Professional Chamber urges Government to extend Private Social Security option to all Seafarers
9 October 2018
The Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce has published its Opinion on the Luxembourg-government sponsored bill concerning medical assistance on board Luxembourg-flagged vessels and other employment matters governed by the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. Citing the European Commission’s objective for protecting and promoting EU seafarer employment, the Chamber calls on the Luxembourg government to adopt measures which would alleviate the prohibitive social costs responsible for the serious decline of the EU maritime labour sector. In particular, it suggests allowing all seafarers on-board Luxembourg vessels to be covered through a private insurance scheme:
“[Translation] In the opinion of the Chamber of Commerce, extending the ability to derogate from the principle of mandatory affiliation to the Luxembourg public social security scheme in favour of private insurance contributions to all seafarers would increase the employment prospects of European Union seafarers on board Luxembourg-flagged vessels.”
The Chamber also called for the creation of a discounted “laid-up” vessel registration status to alleviate operational costs borne by shipowners for vessels laid-up during difficult market periods and clarification regarding the registration of a mortgage on the basis of a provisional Certificate of Registry.
About the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce
The Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce articulates, represents and defends the interests of its over 90,000 members, accounting for 75% of total employment and representing 80% of GDP in Luxembourg.
Since 2017, the Chamber of Commerce has worked in partnership with the Luxembourg Maritime Cluster (CML). EFS fully support the Chamber’s Opinion.
In its capacity as CML Board Member and leader of the Luxembourg Maritime Cluster’s Working Group on improving the competitiveness of the Luxembourg Maritime Sector, EFS has strongly advocated a level-playing field for all seafarers affording adequate social protection premised on international and EU standards.
Download Chamber of Commerce Opinion – 9 October 2018 (French)