Brussels, 13/05/2002 (Agence Europe) - On Monday, the EP discussed the report by Theodorus J. J. Bouwman (Dutch, Green) on the modification of the Directive concerning the protection of workers in case of employer insolvency (co-decision, second reading). The report places emphasis on the problems of the workers concerned by new forms of work - for example those for whom, after company restructuring, loose their jobs and form a small sub-contracting company that relies exclusively on the former company. Mr Bouwman insists in his report on the introduction of a minimum Community definition of the notion of "salaried workers", which, both in the former Directive as in the present proposal, remains a national competence. Andrew Fielding, spokesperson for Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou, indicated that the Commission has not accepted the introduction of such a definition in the Directive, but it has already promised an in-depth study, which will paint a precise and global picture of the legal, social and economic situation of these workers in the Member States as well as in the candidate countries. Moreover, the Commission and EP will organise a joint hearing with social partners in the very near future, to raise the awareness of the various actors in this problem. According to Mr Fielding, conciliation should not necessary, and the Directive will no doubt be adopted during the Social Council on 3 June in Luxembourg, which will represent a true success for the Spanish Presidency of the EU.