Labour Research April 2014

European news

Posted workers

The European Parliament and the European Council, which brings together representatives of national governments, have reached a compromise deal on changes to the posted workers directive which sets rules under which workers employed in one EU state are sent to work in another.

Unions have long been concerned that the system as it currently operates is open to abuse (see Labour Research, January 2014, page 8). However, although the agreed text allows member states to introduce measures to tackle fraud, and makes it easier for employees in the construction industry to bring claims for unpaid wages, the European Trade Union Confederation described it as “a missed opportunity”. The new rules are set to come into force in 2016.

http://touchstoneblog.org.uk/2014/03/meps-should-call-halt-to-a-shoddy-compromise-on-posted-workers

www.etuc.org/press/provisional-deal-posting-workers-will-not-put-end-social-dumping