The European Parliament’s co-rapporteurs on the minimum wages directive, Denis Radtke (EPP, Germany) and Agnes Jongerius (S&D, Netherlands), reported on stalled interinstitutional negotiations in a briefing, on Tuesday 1 February, to the European Parliament’s Committee on Employment and Social Policy (EMPL).
The EU Council’s attitude (which we reported on Monday evening - see EUROPE 12880/5), has Mr Radtke concerned. The latter said he considered that the EU Council’s approach was to obtain a general weakening of the text, or even to make the directive into mere recommendations. Hence the desire of the French Presidency of the EU Council to discuss a “framework directive” rather than a directive, according to him.
The German MEP also reported on discussions on the use of the terms “adequacy” or “fairness” to determine the level of minimum wages.
The issue of ‘seafarers’ was also discussed, he said. For him, taking a group of workers out of the scope of the directive is problematic.
There was also some discussion on the definitions section, including the use of the terms “ensure” or “promote”.
Ms Jongerius was more optimistic. “At this stage I am not getting nervous”, she repeated. And then added: “But I think now it’s time to dive into more important articles on substance”. For her, one of the important points is to avoid giving the possibility to create “yellow unions”.
For its part, the French Presidency of the EU Council briefed national delegations on Wednesday 2 February. The technical work will continue. The next interinstitutional meeting will be held on 8 February. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)