ETUC says posted workers still need more protection

The ETUC and European Trade Union Federations, including in particular the construction (EFBWW) and foodworkers (EFFAT) have attacked MEPs for voting to water down provisions of the Enforcement Directive. The Directive is intended to provide greater protection for posted workers but the European Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs Committee (excluding the Socialists and Democrats and European United Left-Nordic Green Left) endorsed amendments that undermine the legislation. Posted workers could be denied the minimum wages and standards (including collective agreements) of their host

The FNV trade union argues that the failure of the government to issue clear guidance personal protective equipment (PPE) means that many employers are not providing all health and care workers with the necessary protection. An FNV survey found that 60% of staff in nursing homes and home care lack protection and even a third staff in hospitals don’t have enough PPE. Non-nursing staff in particular unprotected and practice varies significantly from employer to employer with some saying they won’t provide PPE until the government issues a directive. FNV is planning to call for a one-off bonus

The ETUC has welcomed the vote by the European Parliament to support changes to the posted workers' directive. The changes were negotiated between the Parliament, European Commission and Council and now the Directive can be used to guarantee that posted workers get the same pay rates as locally employed workers. The ETUC concedes that there was a significant compromise in the exclusion of road transport workers but identified this and the need to ensure application through the sub-contracting chain as issues to be taken up in future.