S&D Euro MPs today strongly criticised the European Commission's proposal on fundamental social rights in the internal market – the so-called Monti II – and warned that they will reject it.

 

"As it stands, the Commission's proposal does not solve the problem of social dumping in Europe" said S&D vice-president Stephen Hughes and S&D spokesperson Alejandro Cercas today in a joint statement.

 

"If adopted, it would undermine the right to strike in the EU and other collective rights. It is against international treaties such as the International Labour Organisation conventions.

 

"A socially just Europe cannot be built on the basis of social dumping and without respecting the principle of equal treatment.

 

"If the text is not changed, the S&D Group will have no other choice but to reject it.

 

"The Commission's proposal on the posting of workers is a good start but it needs to be improved. For instance, a joint and several liability mechanism is crucial to guarantee companies respect their obligations. Companies that already respect their legal obligations towards their workers should not be afraid of this mechanism as it will have zero cost for them.

 

"Europe must ensure that workers sent abroad temporarily are no longer the victims of abuses and that they get the same pay and social benefits as the workers of the country where they are working. The S&D Group will stand up for workers and small and medium enterprises to promote growth, jobs, equality and social cohesion."

 

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Associated media

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