Social dimension tops meeting EPSU and Presidency Energy Community
(5 April 2007) An EPSU delegation met with the Montenegro Deputy Minister Mr. Canovic, in Podgorica, 5 April 2007. EPSU brought the message that the South East European Energy Community needs a social pillar. The internal market for electricity and gas will have grave social consequences. Mr. Canovic, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Montenegro is currently the President of the Ministerial Council of the South East European Energy Community.
EPSU Deputy General Secretary Jan Willem Goudriaan argued: “It is a deception for workers in the Energy Community that the European Union and Energy Community countries are quick to push economic and commercial interests but frustrate addressing the social dimension. In the meantime prices for vulnerable users will go up and jobs will be lost. It is an unacceptable situation that sends all the wrong signals about the European Union.”
The union leaders demanded that the Ministerial Council signs the Memorandum of Understanding on the Social Aspects at their meeting 29 June.
The EPSU delegation was composed of Milorad Terzic, president of the Montenegro Energy Workers Trade Union and EPSU Deputy General Secretary Jan Willem Goudriaan.
Background
The European Union and the countries of South East Europe agreed the Energy Community Treaty in October 2005. It extends the internal market for electricity and gas to non-EU countries on the Balkans. Ukraine, Moldova and Turkey are observers. The internal market introduces competition for these essential services. EPSU has argued that the South East European Energy Community is lacking a social dimension. Based on experience in the EU the restructuring will lead to jobs losses up to 30-40% of existing employment. Prices for electricity will go up having a grave impact on especially vulnerable users.
Due to trade union pressure a Memorandum of Understanding on the social aspects of the Energy Community has been developed. It addresses social dialogue and demands that the countries develop social action plans to address affordability issues and the employment consequences of restructuring. Adoption of the Memorandum is delayed however due to procedural issues. The Commission and Energy Community countries should speed up the adoption of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Social Aspects of the Energy Community.
For more information see www.epsu.org/r/239 or contact Jan Willem Goudriaan + 32 2 2501080 or epsu@epsu.org
“EPSU is the European Federation of Public Service Unions. It is the largest federation of the ETUC and comprises 8 million public service workers from over 200 Public Service Unions in 37 countries. We organise workers in health and social services, local and national administration, energy, water and waste. We are the recognised European social partner organisation in each of these sectors. EPSU is committed to building a European Union that promotes democratically accountable public services of the highest quality, within and beyond it’s borders. For more information on EPSU and our work please go to: www.epsu.org”
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