Brussels, 09/02/2009 (Agence Europe) - In a letter dated Friday 6 February to the president of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, and his commissioner for social affairs, Vladimir Spidla, the director-general of BusinessEurope, Philippe de Buck, says that he understands the concerns of workers in view of the economic crisis, but reiterates that in his view, "protectionism remains unacceptable". Philippe de Buck also testifies to the concerns of European employers as a result of recent actions aiming to prevent foreign workers from taking a legal position of employment in certain member states.
In his letter, Philippe de Buck appealed to the European Commission as guardian of the treaties to send out a "clear signal that any violations of the fundamental liberties as laid down in the treaty cannot be tolerated in the member states" (our translation throughout). He continues: "It is as true to say that these reactions are counterproductive as it is to say that an internal market functioning properly is the key to the creation of more and better jobs in the EU. In this context, the directive on seconded workers is essential, as it improves the international trade in services. It also plays a vital economic role, because it allows vacancies on the employment market to be filled temporarily in certain professions. BusinessEurope remains convinced that the directive on seconded workers provides adequate protection for the workers and guarantees fair competition on the internal market. Action is needed to improve the compliance of this directive, but there is no need to revise it. BusinessEurope has agreed to discuss this with the European Trade Unions Confederation (ETUC)", concluded Philippe de Buck. (G.B./transl./fl)