Irish and European Trade Union movement supports Lisbon Treaty

Posted on September 22, 2009 at 04:20 PM

Trade Unions across Europe have given their backing to the Lisbon Treaty. They see it as adding to the rights of workers right across the EU.

John Monks of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) which represents Trade Unions of the various states at EU level is very clear on the importance of the Lisbon Treaty:

"The ETUC supports the Lisbon Treaty and hopes the Irish people approve it. We were glad that the Irish Government included workers rights as part of its negotiations with the other 26 member states. The Treaty is a far better deal for working people than those opposing it can offer. There is no conditionality whatsoever in the ETUC support for the treaty.

Blair Horan the General Secretary of the CPSU states:
"There is compelling evidence that Europe has been of enormous benefit to workers in Ireland. Since Ireland joined the EU in 1973 each additional treaty has added to the rights of workers. The Charter of Fundamental Rights which contained many of the rights achieved by workers in recent years would now have the status of treaty Law after Lisbon.

Jack O Connor, General President of SIPTU, also states his Union's support for the treaty:
"In view of the Labour Party's clear statement on collective bargaining rights we believe that the balance of advantage for working people and their families rests with ratification of the Treaty

The Swedish Trade Union Confederation (LO) also voiced their support for the Lisbon Treaty especially its provisions making the Charter of Fundamental Rights legally binding.
"The Swedish trade unions are 100% behind the Lisbon Treaty. Please tell the Irish people.

David Begg, General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions sums up the trade union case for Europe like this:
"The Lisbon Treaty will incorporate the European Charter of Fundamental Rights which will give better legal status to workers rights. It would be a serious error of judgement to miss the opportunity to give legal status to workers rights

Eamonn Gilmore, Leader of the Labour Party states:
"More than any previous European Treaty this is the Treaty which advances the rights of citizens in the European Union and which progresses our social agenda in the European Union.

The Trade Union Movement calls for a clear YES to Lisbon. The Labour Party fully supports the trade union call for a YES vote.

Tagged with Foreign & European Affairs • labourforeurope