Bosses attack new workers’ rights plan

Date: 12/11/1998

By Myles Neligan

SOCIAL Affairs Commissioner Pádraig Flynn this week unveiled proposals for new EU rules which would oblige firms to consult their employees over all decisions which might have an impact on jobs and working conditions.

The proposal, drawn up after European employers' federation UNICE decided last month not to participate in talks on a voluntary accord, looks set to divide the two sides more deeply than ever.

Under the initiative, firms with 50 or more employees would be legally obliged to consult their workers in advance over major restructuring. Companies would be prevented by law from making workers redundant if they had not consulted them first.

The measure, which would extend the EU's existing rules governing multinationals to those above the 50-worker threshold operating in just one member state, would cover 50&percent; of the Union's workforce.

Flynn originally intended to include all firms with more than 20 staff in the new measures, but watered down his plans in an attempt to win over employers.

But UNICE remains strongly opposed to the move. “This proposal is over-prescriptive and totally unjustified,” said secretary-general Dirk Hudig. “It would effectively hand powers of co-decision to workers and would gravely handicap companies' ability to grow.”

But trade union groups have welcomed the initiative. “This is good news for workers,” Emilio Gabaglio, general secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) told European Voice. “It sends out the message that the EU is concerned not just with currencies and markets, but also with peoples' rights, needs and aspirations.”

The proposal must be approved jointly by national governments and the European Parliament if it is to become law.

Flynn is expected to present the measure to EU social affairs ministers at their next meeting on 2 December.