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Resolutions of the 8th Congress of the EUCDW

Brussels, Aeropolis, 26.11.2001

Enlarge the EU geographically and
strengthen it politically

Resolution of the 8th Congress of the EUCDW

26.11.2001

Introduction

The motive of the European unification process is the maintenance of peace. This means peace between states as well as within them. A socially divided society, in which there is an unbridgeable gap between people of different classes, is not a peaceful society. Therefore we support the basic aim of equality of opportunity: for people of differing origin, differing sexes, differing religions or ideologies, differing ages or differing sexual orientation, for people with and without disabilities. For that reason, too, we want to link economic growth with social progress. The many and varied opportunities offered by globalization can only lead to prosperity for all if the solidarity between the nations is further strengthened, the environment is protected and humane living conditions are assured. In so doing the dignity of human beings is the central issue.

Each person is unique and makes his own irreplaceable contribution to our living together. Each life deserves fundamental respect. Everyone has the right to develop his personal gifts and abilities. In this sense, a professional activity is more than a mere means of obtaining an income and securing a living: work gives the opportunity to express oneself and to make contact with others.

Therefore it can rightly be expected from everyone that he uses his abilities and gifts. There is a right to leisure time and rest, but not to laziness.

In the model of European society this dual view of "work" becomes concrete in the tense relationship between performance and solidarity. Society demands performance, while each individual - if he can no longer help himself - lays claim to solidarity.

In community life, understanding for one another is what binds societies together. People do not live on islands, independent of each other. We develop ourselves only in connection with others, in working, thinking and feeling together. We must learn to live with each other, not against each other.

European integration has brought progress, both in the economic we well as in the social regard. The European Union is one of the most prosperous regions in the world. Cross-border freedoms offer many and varied opportunities.

However, opportunities also include risks. The greatest risk here is the one-sided orientation of the process of European unification on money and economic success. Stable further development requires us to ask questions about the values that hold our societies together.

This means, not least, also greater efforts towards social cohesion. A policy is necessary that is oriented towards permanent development. Quality of life also means social security, consultation and co-responsibility, safety and health protection at work, offers of further training. It is necessary here to have cross-border cooperation, which must not end on European frontiers.

Solidarity is especially required in view of the economic process of change and the build-up of stable social security systems in the countries wanting to join the European Union.

The EUCDW is convinced that the further [peaceful] development and the enlargement of the European Union is only guaranteed if it takes place as a Union of common values. The European Union is an area in which people live together in peace, not only an economic area. Living together in the European Union must be organized, not administered.

Assessment

Against this background

• the EUCDW regards the enlargement of the European Union as the central challenge of the future in the sense of the lasting assurance in Europe of peace, stability and solidarity, as well as freedom and the rule of law.
• it states that the applicant countries are placing great expectations on EU membership, even though comprehensive information about the advantages and disadvantages of joining the EU are to a large extent lacking.
• it states that in the present EU countries the enlargement question regrettably is not playing an outstanding role in political debate, and that the danger of prejudices and unfounded fears is growing
• it stresses that material considerations alone must not be the standard for the enlargement of the EU
• it regards the previous efforts of the present EU as insufficient.

In the most important European tasks - the fight against unemployment, the improvement of competitiveness, the long-term stabilization of the social security systems financed on the basis of solidarity (in regard to pensions, health, unemployment), the struggle against exclusion and discrimination, the preparation of the Community for enlargement - there has been insufficient progress.

Through an efficient and transparent policy, critical citizens, who must take all European institutions seriously, must be again won over for the European idea.

Demands

We Christian Democratic workers back a policy which links freedom, solidarity and subsidiarity with each other. Concretely: protection of human rights, democracy, and social market economy. In view of the enlargement, this policy is necessary if only because the enlargement will have considerable effects on all citizens, in particular on employment and the workforce.

In order to prevent greater divisions in a greater Europe and to ensure social peace, the EUCDW therefore demands

• the strengthening of a market policy, under which productive capacities are used without letting that degenerate into a competitive struggle of everyone against everyone else; this means a policy which recognizes that economic growth and social stability are two sides of the same coin (in this context, EUCDW supports the norms of the ILO).
• the support for free, not profit-orientated initiatives and associations, in the service of people and community, and the stimulation of cross-border contacts between these organizations, in particular directed towards the countries which are recognized candidates for EU entry.
• the creation of all preconditions to exclude the risk of social dumping, which equally damages employees and firms, (above all, smaller and medium-sized firms); common minimum standards - which are more than the lowest standards - must be laid down, not only as regards working conditions, but also in various other spheres of labour and social legislation, such as the law on giving notice and the inclusion of disabled people in working life.
• strengthening the social dialogue and the social partners that are independent from the state, also and above all in the countries which are recognized candidates for EU entry. To extend the social dialogue, particularly in these countries, the EUCDW demands more financial resources and possibilities, also from the candidate states themselves. The financial resources must flow directly to the social partners (not via the governments of the member states).
• the continuation of the practice of employees' participation in the firms, as only informed and consulted employees guarantee strong motivation and productivity. In this connection the EUCDW welcomes the progress made in the directive on the European works council, as well regarding the participation of employees in the European public limited company. The EUCDW expects that the planned framework directive on setting Europe-wide minimum standards for the participation of employees will be approved already during the Belgian presidency of the Council. Against this background, particularly during the entry negotiations, it must be ensured that the countries which want to join the European Union fulfil the existing European regulations on the participation of employees. In this only short transitional periods must be applied.
• the realization of the decisions of the European Union on fighting poverty and ensuring the responsibility of the state for fulfilling the basic needs of all inhabitants, in order to protect them from the risks of poverty
• greater efforts on debt relief for the poorest countries in the world, which was only insufficiently achieved in 2000
• assurance of trust in the systems of social security, which must guarantee all entitled citizens an assured livelihood fit for human beings; additional systems, for instance in pensions or health insurance, can take over an auxiliary role (there should be a common approach for appropriate arrangements at the European level)
• the drawing up of an analysis by the European Commission, showing through which additional income the financing of the social security systems can be guaranteed
• greater coordination of tax policy in the EU, in order to avoid damaging effects on employment, social security and freedom of movement
• With regard to the financing of their social tasks within Europe, as well as with regard to the developing countries, the examination of the possibilities and effects of the taxation of speculative profits and of wealth
• ensuring the supply to all people and firms of goods and services of general, elementary interest, while observing social and ethical criteria as well as regional subsidiarity; here the EUCDW welcomes the political demands for an appropriate framework directive, but considers an appropriate amendment of Article 16, EU Treaty to be indispensable
• beginning with a better coordination of the existing cartel authorities, the creation of a worldwide cartel policy, aiming at a worldwide operating cartel authority
• the continuation of an enlargement process which - together with the already mentioned social criteria and with the precondition that it respects the Copenhagen criteria - is orientated towards the possibilities of the applicants and respects their national, regional and cultural differences strengthening international solidarity and increasing sensibility about the applicants' efforts to enter the Union.
• the strengthening of training possibilities as well as of life long learning, especially regarding the values of open and social democracies

A convention to work out a new EU Treaty

The EUCDW doubts whether the previous method of government conferences can create the Europe that we want. A broader dialogue is necessary, which shows the EU not only as an economic union, but as a union of many differing nations, regions and groups. The convention which, last year, worked out the fundamental rights of the union, showed in an impressive manner how legitimacy, closeness to the citizens and ability to act can be linked together. This is the way in which the new EU Treaty must be brought about. Regarding the cohesion of our societies, organisations of the social middle class, but also the religious communities, play a major role. The convention should therefore be composed, on the same basis as the convention on fundamental rights, of European and national parliamentarians, representatives of member governments and the European Commission. For the success of this convention a close dialogue with the public, in particular with the social partners, is indispensable.

In this process of discussion the EUCDW puts forward the demand that the procedure on majority decisions in the Council be extended to all spheres which must be regulated at European level. The European Parliament must be included in the law making through the joint decision-making procedure, on the basis of equal rights with the European Council. The spheres which until now have been excluded from the application of European social policy, must in future become European themes.

In the European Treaty the Charta of fundamental rights of the European Union must be included in a legally binding way.

The tasks, powers and responsibilities of the European institutions must be formulated in such a way that they are understandable to the citizens and verifiable by them.

Employment Policy

Motion of the Unio de Treballadors Democratacristians de Catalunya

"Life and Work in the Computer Society"

Resolution of the 8th EUCDW Congress

26.11.2001

Analysis

• We note that the participation of the active population in the EU labour market is about 10% less than in the USA.
• This lower figure of the active working population in Europe means that less wealth is produced, and this has an effect on all social-economic spheres in Europe.
• Similarly, the participation and integration of women in the labour market in Europe is quantitatively less than in the United States.
• Together with the above, a lesser use of flexible labour contracts can be noted. Such contracts would enable greater integration into the labour market of the currently discriminated groups.
• These sections of the population with difficulties in entering the labour market, such as students, women with family commitments, the disabled and the unemployed aged over 40, could have better possibilities for taking an active part in working life if there were more part-time labour contracts or telework was encouraged more.
• We note that the necessity of creating new jobs in the new technologies brings the danger that these new types of contract are not legally laid down, that discrimination becomes worse and, as a result, a large group of employees is deprived of the benefits of the social state.
• We note an increasing adaptation to the new technologies and the growth of special groups of employees in the new, more flexible types of work: teleworkers who combine the computer with the newest generation of mobile phones.
• We note the possible inclusion of employees into a system of honorary, voluntary work.
• We note the emergence of new non-profit-making structures, which arise from the use of new technologies.

Conclusions

• The European Commission has the goal of increasing the active working population in the next five years from 62% to 67%.
• Similarly, in the same period, an increase is foreseen in the participation of women in the labour market, from the current 50% to 57%.
• A further goal is to ensure that, until 2010, 50% of employees aged between 55 and 64 remain at work.
• It is therefore necessary to conclude more part-time contracts and those which can arise from the use of new technologies. This means an increase in the percentage of the working population in the European Community.

Against this background, the EUCDA states:

These new contracts, in which those concerning telework are to be included, need a legal framework which, among other things, includes the following rights:

• Voluntary participation of employees in this type of contract - . Adaptation of the appropriate labour statutes, while taking into account rights and duties.
• Equality of treatment regarding social legislation between "traditional" contracts and these new ones.
• Adequate information for both the new worker and for the experts of the social security systems.
• Clarification regarding the provision, ownership and maintenance of working equipment.
• Special training and further training of the workers.
• Security and health protection.
• Adherence to legal working hours.
• Better opportunities for reconciling work and family life.
• Equality of opportunity between the sexes.

There are indications of changes in the methodology and the economic remuneration; there is a slow changeover from the value per hour or per product to new concepts, such as "time calculation".

It would be appropriate to assist non-profit-making structures based on the new technologies (Intranet networks, discussion forums, chats, newsletters etc., etc.,) which enable an optimal exchange of opinion and information, both on the personal level and on the level of associations and workplaces.

Safety and health protection at work

Motion of the SVP on

Safety Regulations and their application in enterprises in the EU

Resolution of the 8th EUCDW Congress

26.11.2001

Safety and health protection at work is a topic which concerns all employees in the European Union. Dangerous agents and work structures are dangerous everywhere. Therefore, European minimum standards, which are more than the lowest standards, are necessary. They also protect enterprises, especially small and medium enterprises, against unfair competition by social dumping.

This is why EUCDW defines its position as follows:

1. The concept of industrial safety includes safety at the workplace, as well as health and environmental protection.
2. The still much too large number of accidents at work demands continuing highly intensive efforts.
3. Investments in industrial safety are not costs for the firm, but a saving for the company and the economy.
4. Measures by firms which bring success to industrial safety must be rewarded by the insurer.
5. Safety and environmental management systems with fixed responsibilities are appropriate instruments in realizing efficient safety at work.
6. Safety at work must be taken into consideration already at the planning stage or when orders are being placed.
7. Safety at work is a process. It must be adapted to the situations which are constantly changing, and further developed.
8. Coordination and mutual information and the possible amalgamation of the supervisory and monitoring organs, which are active in industrial safety, must be aimed at.
9. Deficits in industrial safety are often caused by insufficient creation of awareness on the part of employers/managers and employees:
   - for employers and managers obligatory educational and further training measures must be planned;
   - industrial safety should be an obligatory part of all professional training.
10. Projects or centres, which aim at exchange of experience and the further development of industrial safety in small firms, must be given subsidies from public money.
11. Advice to firms from the supervisory authority is an important element in motivating adherence to the industrial safety regulations. If the advice has no effect, draconic punishment must be imposed. The supervisory authorities must be provided quantitatively and qualitatively with finance and personnel: specialists in questions of work organization and in the psychological pressures at work.
12. At the European level, industrial safety regulations, which can be applied in practice, should be worked out. Necessary are:
    a) The working out of binding quality standards for
    - evaluation
    - workplace medical care
    - safety limits for industrial materials - indicators for establishing and assessing psychological pressures at the workplace
    b) The more accurate formulation of the participation rights.
13. Higher existing standards must be retained and further developed. The congress authorizes the Board and Presidium of the EUCDW to speak to the deputies of the employees' group of the parliamentary group EPP of the European Parliament and the appropriate bodies of the European People's Party about the realization of these points

Workers participation

Resolution of the 8th EUCDW Congress

upon request of the 'Christlich-Sociale Arbeitnehmerschaft' (CSA) regarding

"Co-determination under public law for all employees in the EU"

26.11.2001

Social harmony is based, above all, on social partnership, that is, the opportunity for employers and trade unions to be involved in society and business on an equal footing. Social harmony presupposes that the rights of employees are protected; for instance a high level of protection is necessary as far as working conditions are concerned, or fair and appropriate wages. Employees are also especially entitled to initial and further training in order to have continuous access to the employment market. The duty of guaranteeing such protection lies not only with the EU member States but also with the community. To do this, both must have the appropriate tools and skills at their disposal.

Partnership presupposes that each party can represent their interests (forcibly if necessary). Different ways of doing this have evolved historically across Europe. The variety of methods to involve employees and the special nature of participation systems make a general harmonisation in this area impossible.

Hence, EUCDW asks the EPP/ED party to support efforts in the European Parliament to eliminate what is, when compared to industry and commerce, the obvious discrimination against employees at a public law level. Examples in Austria and Luxembourg as well as in the German States of Bremen and Saarland show that "work chambers" appear to be a good alternative in eliminating this employee discrimination.

Therefore EUCDW asks the EPP/ED party to initiate in those countries, where no functioning structures with comparable objectives exist, the possible creation of "work chambers" in EU member states. Functioning structures with comparable objectives should remain unaffected by this initiative.

"Work chambers" represent employee interests in the public area (e.g. with regard to government and parties), offer their members a wide choice of professional and socio-political training and advise them on questions of employment and social legislation.

"Work chambers" do not - as experience in Austria and Luxembourg has shown - compete with trade unions, but complement them in a positive way, similar to the organisation in place on the employer side.

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