Brussels, 16/09/2005 (Agence Europe) - The announcement by Commissioner Vladimir Spidla of his intention to withdraw any reference to the sun from the scope of the directive on the protection of workers exposed to optic rays, and thus to come into line with the position of the Parliament (EUROPE 9027), has given rise to highly positive reactions on the part of small businesses, as expected. "This is a great victory for the 2.3 million small and medium-sized construction companies in the EU", said the European Builders' Confederation (EBC). "This kind of legislation was a perfect example of obligations which are too heavy for businesses to bear, and which offer a negative incentive to business start-up", said EBC President Jean Lardin. Satisfaction was also voiced by the European Union of Craft, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (Ueapme). "By getting rid of this ridiculous rule on sun rays, the Commission has finally put an end to its endless joke", said Ueapme Secretary General Hans-Werner Müller, adding that President Barroso had thus sent out a "clear message that Europe is listening to its citizens and will not impose any unpopular legislation, which will help to restore the credibility of European legislation".
It was a very different story with the unions. In an open letter to Commissioner Spidla, John Monks, Secretary General of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) voiced his opposition to the Commissioner's decision and his great concern, underlining the importance ETUC attaches to the protection of workers who are exposed to the dangers of sun rays.