MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
3.7.2006
pursuant to Rule 103(2) of the Rules of Procedure
by Lena Ek
on behalf of the ALDE Group
on the economic and social consequences of industrial restructuring in Europe
B6‑0389/2006
European Parliament resolution on the economic and social consequences of industrial restructuring in Europe
The European Parliament,
– having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in particular its provisions regarding social rights, and Article 136 of the EC Treaty, which obliges the Member States to have as their objectives the promotion of employment, improved living and working conditions, proper social protection, dialogue between management and labour, the development of human resources with a view to lasting high employment and the combating of exclusion,
– having regard to Directive 2002/14/EC of 11 March 2002 on informing and consulting employees, Directive 98/59/EC of 20 July 1998 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to collective redundancies and Directive 94/45/EC of 22 September 1994 on the establishment of European Works Councils; whereas the two last-named directives both concern the harmonisation of Member States' legislation on the instruments of dialogue between management and labour,
– having regard to its previous resolutions on industrial restructuring,
– having regard to Rule 103(2) of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas companies should be free to make management decisions which secure the business growth of their enterprises,
B. whereas the Lisbon Strategy is aimed at turning the EU into the world's most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy, capable of sustained economic growth accompanied by the creation of more and better jobs and greater social cohesion,
C. having regard to the possibilities for global economic growth and increased wealth presented by globalisation,
D. having regard to the large-scale public investment, including Structural Fund, ESF and Globalisation Adjustment Fund monies, intended to develop local systems and infrastructure and to promote training, from which companies and employees may benefit directly and indirectly,
E. whereas solidarity calls for a firm commitment by the Member States, for both present and future generations, to promote economic and social cohesion with a view to supporting disadvantaged areas and reducing disparities between population groups in the Union,
1. Takes the view that companies which seek to restructure and reduce their workforce may do so within the framework of a medium- or long-term corporate business strategy that justifies the decision and provides for appropriate social measures for employees made redundant;
2. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote a European dialogue on industrial restructuring as well as on structural reforms of the labour market to secure the advantages of globalisation, while minimising the negative social impact;
3. Believes that the EU must create conditions favouring the development of advanced and high-technology industries by investing in research and innovation, employing Union funds such as the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Development and developing new materials, designs and processes with a view to ensuring innovation and development in traditional industries,
4. Considers it vital that geographic and job mobility is improved for all workers to ensure that they are best equipped to adapt to the challenge of restructuring, in line with the goals of the European Year of Workers' Mobility 2006, which highlights the importance of worker mobility for the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy;
5. Calls on the Member States to promote and develop social dialogue, on the basis of compliance with national and Community law, with regard to information and consultation of workers;
6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the social partners.