For the first time this week, the EU Parliament debated the draft report for the Pillar of Social Rights. The subject is very close to the heart of the Portuguese Rapporteur, Maria Joao Rodrigues, who asked the EU Commission to present a proposal on a binding European Pillar of Social Rights as early as 2017. This was not met with full approval by MEPs, as the intentions of the Commission are still completely open. However, it would be desirable if it would strengthen and not reduce the labour rights.

Rodrigues: Report has to be a strong commitment to ensure a social Europe

Everybody still has the chance to participate in the open consultation of the Commission on the future European Pillar of Social Rights and to present her or his wishes until the end of the year. In doing to, the European Commission pursues the goal to determine major principles for fair labour markets and welfare systems. The EU Parliament is also taking part in this process and has now for the first time presented a draft report on the subject. In it, rapporteur Rodrigues finds clear words, which she manifests in a 16-page document. Among other, she demands a paradigm shift towards a strong European social model and that the European Pillar of Social Rights must not be allowed to amount to nothing more than a declaration of principle or intent, but that it requires concrete contents (legal provisions, policy coordination mechanisms and financial instruments). This is one of the reasons why she hopes that the Commission will present a proposal for a binding European Pillar of Social Rights in spring 2017. Allan Larrson, Special Advisor of the EU Commission for the European Pillar of Social Rights was also present at the presentation of the report; in his opinion, social policy has to be regarded as a productivity factor and not as a stumbling block for competitiveness.

Wages are a decisive factor for the so-called “upward convergence”

The draft report also addresses the importance of wages and salaries in the entire EU and asks the Commission to support a broader inclusion of collective agreements. It also recommends the introduction of national minimum wages levels by legal provisions or collective bargaining with the objective to achieve at least 60 % of respective national average wages. However, it was just the last point, which liberal MEPs, who are not keen on such a proposal, disapprove of. Unfortunately, the debate in Parliament was not very fruitful as it still not clear what the Pillar of Social Rights should really achieve, let alone how it should be filled with life. Allan Larrson was anxious to take everything on board and said in his final words that he would forward all comments made by MEPs to the Commission. However, he also said that there will be proposals, but that it was still open what these would entail. This is making the debate not exactly easier; however, on the other side it provides the opportunity to formulate own demands. This is exactly what the Chamber of Labour will be doing when it actively contributes to the debate.

Further information:

Draft report on the Pillar of Social Rights