In a statement published on Monday 8 June, European construction employers and trade unions – the European Construction Industry Federation (FIEC) and the European Federation of Building and Woodworkers (EFBWW) – questioned the need for a Construction Services Act envisaged by the European Commission for the end of the year.
In their view, this initiative risks creating new problems in a sector that already relies on effective national systems for safety, qualifications and supervision.
“While the initiative, announced in the Single Market Strategy, aims to reduce barriers to cross-border market access for construction and installation services, both organisations are concerned that the policy options currently under consideration could undermine national frameworks that protect workers, uphold high standards and ensure effective enforcement”, the statement says.
The organisations are basing their concerns on the consultation documents and fear that an attempt at harmonisation in this area would have the effect of lowering standards.
“Nobody in construction is asking for this legislation. Workers are asking for safer workplaces. Companies are asking for legal certainty and fair competition. Authorities are asking for effective tools to combat fraud and enforce the rules. We do not see convincing evidence that a Construction Services Act will respond to these priorities”, comments Tom Deleu, general secretary of the EFBWW, in the statement.
For more information: https://aeur.eu/f/m83 (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)