Brussels, 09/06/2004
Fresh information is arriving from individual countries which illustrates the far reaching scope of the proposed Directive and is leading to a rising tide of criticism from trade unions across Europe.
The ETUC Executive Committee was also outraged by remarks last week by the spokesman of Commissioner Bolkestein who compared the opposition to the Directive being expressed in a demonstration by our Belgian trade unions to the position of racist, virulently nationalist parties. This was offensive and wrong and affects all trade unions all over Europe. The ETUC supports the call by its Belgian affiliates for an apology.
We support an EU single market in services but not at the expense of European and national social standards, labour law, services of general interest, health and safety and collective agreements.
The ETUC reiterates its request for a legislative standstill until a framework Directive on Services of general interest is delivered. The ETUC will continue its efforts to arrive at an acceptable Services Directive and urges all member states to defend the social dimension of the EU.