18/12/2007
Fog in Court on workers' rights
18 December 2007
PES President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen today expressed his deep frustration at the ruling of the European Court creating doubts about the right of Swedish trade unions to take action to force a foreign company to observe pay deals reached through collective bargaining.
“Europe has shot itself in the foot today” said Poul Nyrup Rasmussen “how can the court spread so much uncertainty on such a fundamental question? On the one hand they recognize the right to collective action by trade unions, on the other hand the Court creates uncertainty on which agreements should be respected.”
“This is not a ruling for a Social Europe, this is a foggy day which could provide cover for bad employers and wage cutters. The message it risks sending to citizens is that Europe is more interested in competition between workers than in raising living standards for all families. ”
“I am deeply frustrated by the ruling, but I am also absolutely determined to ensure that the fog is cleared as soon as possible, and that the best agreements are protected. European Commission President José Manuel Barroso has been talking a lot about Social Europe, it is now urgent to show that he means it. There is some work to be done to avoid negative consequences from this unclear ruling.”
“Sweden is a model of cooperation between trade unions and employers, and this is one of the reasons it is among the most competitive economies in the world. I am at a total loss to understand why the European Court would create uncertainty and put the hugely successful Swedish collective bargaining system at risk.”
“For the benefit of workers all over Europe it is urgent to get clarification, so that people can be confident about our Social Europe. I have a feeling that this will be important for the ratification of the new Treaty in many national Parliaments, and for the referendum in Ireland.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Julian Scola, Communications Advisor - Media & Campaigns
Party of European Socialists, Rue du Trône, 98, B-1050 Brussels
Mobile +32 486 117 394
julian.scola@pes.org
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