Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South, Kathleen Funchion, has hit out against European Commission plans to create a two-tier labour market.
A new initiative launched by the European Commission seeks to offer exemptions in workers’ rights to SME startups.
MEP Funchion said:
“The European Commission has launched a plan which they claim seeks to help SMEs to start up and scale up.
“Unfortunately, this is a smoke and mirrors initiative designed to enable backsliding on some of the strong labour laws.
“High standards of workers’ rights must be protected and enhanced, regardless of whether a company is starting up, scaling up or already making millions or billions in profits.
“I will be sending an urgent question to the European Commission seeking clarity on which rules they seek to renege on.”
Written Question sent from Kathleen Funchion MEP to the European Commission:
‘Startup and Scaleup Strategy’
The European Commission announced its new ‘startup and Scaleup’ initiative.
This announcement has caused great anxiety, due to the implications that once initiated, certain new and expanding companies will be exempt from complying with certain EU Labour Laws.
Can the Commission:
1. Outline precisely what EU rules, laws and/or directives the proposed initiative would permit certain companies to break?
2. What evidence is there to suggest that backsliding in the area of labour rights leads to better conditions and outcomes for workers?
3. Is the Commission concerned that their proposed plan could discourage responsible business practices?
