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Luxembourg, 06.04.2005


Meeting EUCDW - François Biltgen


In connection with the so-called "Services Directive", the representatives of the European Union of Christian Democratic Workers (EUCDW) gave a clear "No" to the President of the Council of the European Ministers of Employment and Social Affairs, François Biltgen, Luxembourg Minister of Employment.

The following participated in the talks: Vice-Chair Guido Dumon, member of the EUCDW board Léon Drucker, Secretary General Cristoph Weißkirchen, Co-Chair of the working group "EPP Economic and Social Policy" Bartho Pronk, Chair of LCGB (member of EUCDW) Robert Weber and as a guest Chair of the educational institution EZA Leo Pauwels.

At a meeting, held on Wednesday, 6 April 2005, 11:00h, at the Ministry of Work and Employment, they explained: we need to ensure by any means that the European "Services Directive" does not fall short of national standards or European minimum requirements concerning,

  • above all, working conditions (including wages) and workers' protection as well as, for instance,
  • technical safety,
  • consumer protection,
  • liability and warranty rights, and
  • issues of vocational qualification and their recognition.

Supervisory responsibility and competence must remain with the member state in which the service was provided. In particular, this concerns fighting illegal employment and black moonlighting.

A second focus of the talks was the so-called "Lisbon Process" on employment policy. When it comes to dovetailing various policy areas, the representatives of EUCDW stressed the importance of making sure that the orientation towards competition does not result in abolishing those standards that ensure that all citizens can lead secure and humane lives. This is also inherent in the basic objectives and values of the forthcoming European Constitution. The realisation of the necessary measures requires a credible strategy and a credible schedule until 2010 for the EU and its member states. A strict system of objectives, benchmarks and deadlines, against which the progress made can be measured.

Finally, the representatives of EUCDW handed over EUCDW's position paper on the planned Working Time Directive.

The European Union of Christian Democratic Workers (EUCDW) consists of 23 workers' organisations from 15 countries and is an association of the European People's Party (EPP).

responsible: Elmar Brok MEP, President.



EUCDW
European Union of Christian Democratic Workers
c/o EPP, Rue du Commerce / Handelsstraat 10
B-1000 Brussels
E-mail: EUCDW

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