JHL (28.04.2014 - Heikki Jokinen) Regulations governing working life are increasingly emanating from the European parliament. It is imperative that the voice of employees be also heard when it comes to decision making. JHL has just published its six main theses for the European Parliament elections.
1. Pro public services
If the welfare state is only seen in light of the common market and free competition then jobs are endangered. The market does not in any sense belong to the laws of nature. On the contrary it is very largely shaped by political decisions. Public work and services need to be upheld in the European Union. The direction of the European Union must tilt from free trade towards a more social Europe which guarantees good quality services.
2. Stop tax avoidance
Public services are mainly funded by tax money. The EU has tried to balance the economy by austerity measures and cuts, but the results are bad. Instead of cuts we need effective methods to tackle tax competition, tax avoidance and the black economy.
3. Fair working conditions
People who are doing similar work at the same working place must always enjoy equal terms of employment. Labour mobility cannot mean dumping in terms of employment or wages.
4. Occupational health is not useless regulation
As the European Commission is often blamed for useless or unnecessary regulation, it is now planning to ‘simplify’ labour legislation. This will only serve to weaken employee and employer co-operation. It will also weaken the position of part-time and fixed-time employees. There is, however, nothing useless in terms of employment, occupational health and security in working places. The health of employees cannot be risked in the name of competition.
5. Right to make an agreement and negotiate
The EU and all its member states must unconditionally respect the basic rights of employees. One of these is the right to collective bargaining in respect of pay and other terms of employment in arranged negotiations agreed upon by the social partners or labour market organisations. This must be respected even in times of economic difficulties.
6. Rules for competition bidding
Public services must be produced and delivered with a priority on quality and the interests of employees, and not only by looking at the lowest price. Financing of services must be organised with long term decisions in mind. The undermining of public services by weaker terms of employment must cease.
In the upcoming elections 16 JHL members are among the candidates for EP. 11 of them from five different parties present themselves on the JHL web pages.
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