Barroso must stop playing with workers’ health and safety
Brussels, Belgium 24 October 2013 - UNI Europa says the European Commission’s dismissal of the social partner agreement in the hairdressing sector is the start of a full-frontal attack on European legislation that protects workers and consumers.
Speaking at the Tripartite Social Summit which is attended by top EU leaders such as Commission President Barroso, UNI Europa’s regional secretary, Oliver Roethig, called upon the Commission to change course.
“The “REFIT – fit for growth” strategy published by the Commission at the beginning of the month casts serious doubt on the European social model and the fundamental role of the trade unions as social partners.”
“The first victim of this anti-social policy agenda is the agreement on occupational health and safety in the hairdressing sector. By refusing to make it legally binding, the Commission is sending a signal that it views a social Europe as an obstacle to profit-making, whatever the cost to workers and consumers.”
UNI Europa is now taking steps with its partners to ensure that the voices of ordinary people continue to be heard in the drafting of European legislation.
“Barroso has sent a political signal that the European Commission wants to see a less social Europe,” said Oliver Roethig, UNI Europa Regional Secretary. “We must send our own signal that this is unacceptable by standing jointly with the social partners in the hairdressing sector who find themselves at the frontline of this battle.”
The dismissal of the hairdressing agreement is the latest move in the European Commission’s bid to ingratiate itself with euro-sceptic elements across the Continent.
Mr Barroso recently echoed disparaging remarks about hairdressers made by the British tabloid press under the heading of “Hair Hitler”, saying that there would be no more unnecessary EU regulations such as banning the wearing of high heels by hairdressers.
In fact, there had never been any EU regulations or proposals regarding high heels. The story was based on safety proposals made by employers and unions which were primarily concerned with reducing exposure to dangerous chemicals amongst staff working in the sector, but also included recommendations for the use of slip resistant footwear, already a common practice.
UNI and its partners are calling for an official apology from Mr Barroso and a change of course to persuade European citizens and workers that the EU is worthy of their support.
UNI Europa tells Barroso to stop playing with workers’ health and safety
European Commission’s “No” to the social agreement in the hair and beauty sector is the beginning of a full-frontal attack on a socially just Europe
European social partner agreements between employers and unions must be translated into binding health and safety law if they so wish
UNI Europa and its partners will defend workers from any attempts to roll back social legislation