EP picks up concerns of workers in nuclear industry – EPSU letter to Energy Commissioner

(25 March 2011) The European Parliament held a plenary debate on nuclear safety with EU Energy Commissioner Oettinger, 23 March 2011 The debate addressed the many safety issues of importance for the nuclear sector including nuclear waste management. Most of the debate was on the future of the nuclear industry and the doubts of many MEPs if nuclear is a safe technology or not given the consequences of failure. The stress tests were welcomed as well as binding European standards for safety. Hungarian MEP Edit Herczog of the Socialists and Democrats and chair of the nuclear intergroup of the Parliament drew attention to the concerns of the workers in the industry. A skilled work force will be needed if we wish to maintain nuclear safety also in the future. The views expressed echoed these of EPSU. We sent a letter to EU Energy Commissioner Oettinger:

• It is not acceptable that workers in the nuclear industry are not involved in the stress tests.

• The stress tests should be conducted in openness and transparency

• Participation of independent experts will be a key factor for success

• The test must be comprehensive and include a new review of other risk factors such as impact of demographic change, subcontracted work, internal market for electricity and climate change on nuclear safety.

To watch the debate:
http://bit.ly/fTMqWh

To read the EPSU letter:

Oettinger letter on stress tests

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