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Parliamentary question - E-009940/2015Parliamentary question
E-009940/2015

Wages and collective bargaining — 2015 recommendations

Question for written answer E-009940-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Paloma López Bermejo (GUE/NGL)

In the Commission’s recommendations of 13 May 2015 on employment, there are clear inconsistencies between the arguments presented and the effects of the neoliberal policies promoted by the Commission.

Aligning wage policies to the economic situation, in consultation with social partners, is incompatible with the removal of collective bargaining rights imposed in successive labour reforms.

The increase in wage inequality has contributed significantly to the gap between the richest 10% and poorest 10% of the population — the latter earning 13 times less — and also to the rise in poverty levels, which are becoming even further removed from the targets set in the 2020 strategy.

1. Does the Commission think that the changes in wages have had a negative effect on growth owing to their impact on private consumption, and, by extension, internal demand?

2. Does it think that the changes in wages have played a role in reducing tax revenue for the Member States, whether in terms of direct tax, social contributions or consumption tax?

3. What measures does it think need to be taken in order to rebuild the institutions of social dialogue and collective bargaining, which is a precondition for the recommended consultations with social partners?