Communiqué de presse du Groupe S&D
S&D Euro MPs welcomed the European Commission’s plan to withdraw the so-called Monti II – the highly controversial law concerning social rights in the EU – but stressed that action is still needed to safeguard the right to strike and the right to collective bargaining.
Said S&D vice-president Stephen Hughes:
« The Commission’s proposal – known as Monti II – has been opposed by our Group right from the beginning.
« However the Commission’s announcement on the withdrawal of the text leaves a vacuum. There are still huge legal uncertainties left by the European Court of Justice rulings (in theLavalcase) regarding the rights of workers. The problem remains and the Commission has the responsibility to act. »
S&D negotiator Ole Christensen stressed:
« The right to strike and to collective action are fundamental principles which have to be respected
« Fundamental labour and social rights in the single market must be strengthened and the Commission must now work on the right way to promote fair competition, equal treatment and workers rights.
« These rights must not be secondary to single market freedoms, but addressed as a priority. This principle must be laid down in primary EU legislation adopting a social progress protocol to safeguard basic social rights from any negative consequences of national reforms and austerity measures. »
S&D Group spokesman for social affairs, Alejandro Cercas added:
« Workers’ rights must prevail over economic freedoms in the single market. This is the only valid interpretation that can be given to the Treaty and the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
« The S&D Group will now continue fighting to put the economy at the service of people and their well-being. We need to preserve and strengthen the social model, ensuring the effective exercise of fundamental social rights and fight against social dumping. »
Said Pervenche Berès, the employment and social affairs committee chairwoman:
« The employment committee is willing to continue the debate and to work with the European Commission to find a satisfactory solution with full recognition of the fundamental right to strike. »