EU Breakthrough on Employment Law Directives
The Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowen, T.D., today welcomed the agreement reached at EU level on two Directives: the first on Temporary Agency Workers, and the second on the Organisation of Working Time.
The Taoiseach said:
“Today’s developments are a significant breakthrough for workers and are a further demonstration of Europe’s commitment to protecting workers rights. In particular, the agreement on a draft Directive on Temporary Agency Workers represents another key measure agreed by the EU which will ensure that there is no “race to the bottom” in terms of employment standards.
I also welcome the fact that, once again, Europe has respected the diversity of labour markets and industrial relations traditions which exist across the European Union. For example, in the area of Agency Workers, the draft Directive provides the means for the social partners, in the context of the current national pay negotiations, to work towards an agreement that is right for Ireland, while ensuring that the overall level of protection for temporary agency workers is respected.”
The Taoiseach concluded by saying:
“Today’s developments are just another example of how the European Union is working for Ireland and for Irish workers and business. Supporting the Lisbon Treaty is the best way of ensuring that the European Union can continue to serve the interests of business and workers effectively in the future.
I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Minister for Labour Affairs, Billy Kelleher, who worked closely with his European counterparts in recent weeks to deliver progress on these difficult and contentious dossiers.”
10th June, 2008
ENDS