Labour MEP Glenis Willmott will continue to press for a full review of the present European law on posted workers, despite a promise of action by the President of the European Commission.

The posted worker issue – where companies bring in foreign workers on temporary contracts - has caused many problems in the last few years, including a serious industrial dispute at the Lindsey oil refinery.   It has caused huge anger amongst workers and trade unions, and was raised at the TUC conference this week.

Glenis, Labour’s Leader in Europe, gained a promise of action from President Jose Manuel Barroso, but has not received the absolute commitment which Labour MEPs want.

She explained. “The Posted Workers Directive is European employment law which allows companies to bring in staff from overseas on temporary contracts. The problem occurs when the working terms and conditions of local workers are undercut and undermined, including collective agreements between trade unions and employers.”

“Recent European Court rulings have perverted the original intention of the Directive, allowing such agreements to be undermined by companies bringing in an entire workforce from another EU country.”

“I questioned President Barroso on the matter, both in a private meeting with Socialist Group MEPs last week, and in a European Parliament debate on Tuesday. “

“His tune did change and he promised action but fell short of promising a full review of the directive.  It remained unclear as to whether his promises would be enough to overcome the damage of European Court rulings.”

“Labour Euro MPs will continue to press for a full review of this law, and we’ll see exactly whether Mr Barroso keeps his promise.”

Further information

TUC discuss posted workers; http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8259421.stm

Glenis’s blog: http://gleniswillmott.blogspot.com

 
18 September 2009