WORKING TIME DIRECTIVE GAINS IMPORTANT VICTORY 

October saw members of the European Parliament’s Employment Committee voting in support of an end to the opt-out from the 48 hour week. In Committee, the vote was 34 for, 13 against and 2 abstentions. Labour MEPs ensured that Scottish workers be given the chance to enjoy the same rights as workers in other European countries. The crucial vote will be held in the European Parliament on 17 December when I will be voting in support of an end to the opt-out. If the European Parliament fails to get an absolute majority reversing the European Union (EU) Labour Ministers’ June agreement it will be the first time in EU history that a backward step has been taken on social policy.

EUROPEAN ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN – REAL TEST STILL AHEAD

While the continuing financial crisis dominates world and European events many trade union members are paying the price for the excesses of others with job losses and increasing financial insecurity. The crisis was centre stage at the European Council as EU leaders tried to work out a collective rescue plan. The European trader union movement urged them to adopt a unified response and move away from the doomed ‘casino capitalism’ model. On 26th November the European Commission presented its economic recovery plan, worth €170 billion. Trade Unions were pleased that there were plans proposed to tackle the lack of demand in the markets but there is concern that the implementation will not be effective or quick enough. This led to calls from Trade Unions for an exceptional Tripartite Social Summit to take place before the next European Summit.

EUROPEAN ELECTION CAMPAIGN MUST PUT SOCIAL POLICY AT ITS HEART

As 2009 approaches, strategists within the Socialist Group are beginning to focus on June’s European Election (04 June 2009 in the UK) and the importance of winning a majority for the left in the European Parliament. European Unions are already starting to discuss strategy with existing trades union MEPs and election candidates. The European Public Services Union (EPSU), a federation of more than 210 independent trades union organisations representing more than 8 million workers in public services in Europe, has launched a Public Services Pledge encouraging candidates to demonstrate their commitment to promoting quality public services.

WORKING LABOUR MEPs VOTE TO CLOSE GENDER PAY GAP

I and my colleagues voted in favour of closing the pay gap between men and women. The issue had been raised in Scotland by trade unions, where there remains a difference between male and female wages for the same job. In Britain women earn 13% less than their male counterparts. The European Parliament is recommending compulsory pay audits and a series of measures to boost the fight to close the gender pay gap.

SCOTTISH LABOUR MEPs CALL FOR SOCIAL LEGISLATION TO BE EXTENDED

On 9 October the European Parliament adopted an own initiative report on the implementation of Social Legislation. Attacking undeclared work as a worrying feature of the European Labour Market the report should ensure that EU labour law is translated into effective policies which improve Scottish workers' conditions.

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT BLASTS DECISIONS IN LAVAL, KING & RUFFERT CASES

In its resolution on Collective Agreements in the EU the Parliament reflected many of the European trade union movement’s concerns about the implications of these judgements by the European Court of Justice and supports the call for the balance between fundamental rights and internal market freedoms to be restored.

For more details of venue and time please contact:
DAVID MARTIN MEP (Scotland) Midlothian Innovation Centre, Pentlandfield, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RE, Tel 0131 440 9040, david@martinmep.com www.martinmep.com