In its own initiative report on the European Pillar of Social Rights adopted on Thursday 19 January, the European Parliament called for practical tools rather than fine sounding words. As an example, it is calling for legislation on decent working conditions and a ban on zero contract hours.
The European Commission has made a commitment to present the “European Pillar of Social Rights” in March 2017. This is expected to define some of the essential principles guaranteeing the effective functioning and fairness of the labour market and social systems (see EUROPE 11385). For all intents and purposes it has also suggested that this will include a “reference framework” that will help Eurozone member states’ performances in three areas: 1) equal opportunities and equal access to the labour market; 2) fair working conditions; and 3) appropriate and sustainable protection.
The objective will be to encourage convergence by taking the model of the member states that obtain the best performances.
During the debate preceding the vote, the Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs, Marianne Thyssen, welcomed the suggestions from MEPs, particularly the one to accompany the pillar with a “roadmap” explaining the document and outlining implementation of all the measures proposed. She did assert, however, that, “the European Commission is ready to play its role but those who are primarily responsible are the social partners and national governments”.
Decent working conditions
The own initiative report steered through by Maria-João Rodrigues (S&D, Portugal) calls for a framework directive on decent working conditions in all areas of employment. This will seek to extend minimum existing standards to new kinds of employment relations on the basis of a direct impact analysis. This directive is expected to include minimum standards on apprenticeships and training (with adequate remuneration for interns and apprentices). It is also expected to introduce restrictions on standby work and help to distinguish people who really are self-employed from those who are effectively engaged in an employment contract. The report notes that the two categories should, however, have similar rights and be protected through inclusion in social security and health insurance systems.
Commissioner Thyssen explained, “I completely understand your request for horizontal legislation that takes into account new employment models. Nonetheless, we need to encourage new kinds of employment. We have to to avoid favouring one kind to the disadvantage of another. What counts, is that everyone benefits from a written contract”. The same applies to setting out wage levels in the guise of a national minimum wage requested by MEPs. In response, The Commissioner said, “I agree we need adequate income levels to guarantee human dignity but minimum wages are set at a national level”. She did not, however, provide a response to the suggestion made by MEPs to extend this de facto pillar to all member states or that it should be limited to just the members of the Eurozone.
Major conference 23 January
The Commissioner pointed out that she would be presenting an initiative on the balance between private and professional life, which would include realistic legislative and non-legislative measures, this coming spring. In 2017, an initiative on access to social protection will also be put on the table.
Ms Thyssen also explained that a high-level conference was taking place on Monday 23 January to discuss the results from the public consultation and Parliamentary report on the pillar. In total, more than 500 participants are expected at this event, including representatives from member states (including 20 national ministers), European institutions, social partners and civil society. (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean and Jan Kordys)