The Reform Treaty does however reinforce certain EU objectives such as full employment, the reference to a social market economy and the strengthening of public services via a protocol and legal basis. This is welcomed and EU leaders are urged to build on these foundations to make more progress in the social field. It is only by delivering a true Social Europe to its citizens, that EU leaders will help convince them of the benefits of further European integration.

The EMF also noted with satisfaction the signature of the Charter of Fundamental Rights at the European Parliament the day before, whilst regretting the British and Polish opt-out. The Charter sets out a whole range of civil, political, economic and social rights of European citizens and EU residents, defined as the EU’s common values. The rights are divided into six sections: dignity, freedoms, equality, solidarity, citizens’ rights and justice. The freedoms section includes freedom of assembly and of association and the solidarity section includes workers’ rights to information and consultation, the right of collective bargaining and action, and fair and just working conditions.

“It is also vital to ensure that these freedoms and rights become reality throughout Europe and not just in the EU”, underlined the EMF’s General Secretary, Peter Scherrer, in his address to the Congress of the EMF’s Turkish affiliate, Birlesik-Iş Metal, in Istanbul today.

Although the Charter was not included in the Reform Treaty, it is referred to in an article in the Treaty. Thus the Lisbon Treaty, once ratified, makes the Charter of Fundamental Rights legally binding.

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PRESS 51/2007

The EMF is the representative body defending the interests of workers in the European metal industry. The EMF has a mandate for the external representation and coordination of the metalworkers' unions and a mandate to engage in bargaining at European level.

For further information please contact:
Editor, Peter Scherrer, EMF General Secretary