Brussels, 16/02/2006
"This vote shows clearly that MEPs have succeeded in finding a compromise that allows for the opening up of the services market, while at the same time safeguarding the European Social Model, even if there are still some improvements to be made," declared ETUC General Secretary John Monks.
The majority of the ETUC's demands have been met:
- labour law is excluded, and in particular issues linked to the posting of workers;
- sensitive sectors such as temporary work agencies and private security services are excluded;
- fundamental rights to collective bargaining and action are respected;
- services of general interest and some services of general economic interest, such as healthcare, are excluded;
- the country of origin principle has been abolished, enabling Member States to exercise better supervision and apply rules to protect the public interest.
This is the first stage. The ETUC remains mobilised, with a view to consolidating this firm progress and achieving further improvements.