|
Unions across Europe are stepping up their campaigns against the controversial EU Services Directive which has its first plenary reading in the European Parliament next month. The fear it will jeopardise the quality of public services and the lives of public service workers, with UNISON NEC member Jane Carolan warning; "This could completely undermine all public services provision.
"We don't like what's happening in relation to privatisation in Britain. But this would end any chance we have of keeping that in check". The European Commission, backed by the UK's department of trade and industry, argues that removing regulatory obstructions to cross border trade, would unlock the continent's business potential.
But critics horrified by the 'country of orgin' principle at the heart of the directive, which allows companies to provide a service under the rules and regulations of the country where it is based, rather than the country where the service is provided.
"There would be nothing to stop a service provider moving its headquarters to countries that have the lowest level of regulation, said UNISON international officer Nick Crook. "The effect on the quality of services would be catastrophic".
At the same time, he added, "all the progress that has been made in the UK in terms of equality legislation risks being lost by the Services Directive. There would be nothing to stop discrimination by service providers."
With MEPs set to discuss the directive in February and the Council Ministers in March, the union is urging its members to keep the pressure.
Members can lobby their MEPs and MPs prior to the parliament meeting on 14/15 February, outlining the unions concerns. They can also petition MPs to support the early day motion, to be put to the Commons at the end of this month by Labour MP Ian Davidson, which is expected to call for the wholesale abandonment of services directive.
|
