Strasbourg, 14/01/2005 (Agence Europe) - During plenary session on Thursday with a question put by British Labour member Stephen Hughes, the European Parliament expressed indignation at the way language teachers were dismissed last June from one day to the next at the European Commission. Such behaviour is socially irresponsible and affects people who are generally too old to start looking for another job, Mr Hughes protested.
Janez Potocnik presented the Commission's version, recalling that the facts date back to the last months of the Prodi Commission and that the decision had been taken for budgetary reasons. The Commissioner explained that the double system now in existence (in-house teachers and external language schools) was no longer tenable, as the cost of the former was four times higher than that of the language schools. Also, the Commission went far beyond the legal obligations in force in Belgium concerning indemnity payments for dismissal, as the teachers concerned were given from 14 to 24 months salary, he said. In its decision, the Commission followed the general guidelines set out in the trilogue organised on the issue. It does not, moreover, intend to reduce language courses as it is still attached to the need for multi-lingualism. The Commission cannot give details on the opinion asked of the legal service on this issue as it must respect the rules that govern relations between lawyers and their clients. It does, however, "accept" the fact that it could have given more warning to those dismissed.
The Commissioner's explanations - although it is the responsibility of the Prodi Commission which is at stake - did not convince the MEPs. Luxembourg Christian Democrat Astrid Lulling, who is responsible as quaestor for language courses at the European Parliament, said that the Parliament should resolve this problem in a more social manner and in respect of labour rules. She also complained about the fact that, although the Commission asks companies to apply social plans, it is proceeding to "privatisation" in its own services. The session chairman, Pierre Moscovici (French Socialist) wished to interrupt her as she was coming to the end of her speaking time, but Ms Lulling managed to conclude which won her an "I admire your job …" from Mr Moscovici.