ERIS Meeting Notes: Saturday 21 March, 2015
In March 2015, ERIS invited Georges Dassis, Greek trade unionist, committee member of the ETUC, ITUC, ILO and President of the Workers Group on the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) to discuss: Trade Unions and Democratic Reform in the European Union – the Role of European Economic and Social Committee
Background:
The EESC is a consultative body of the European Union, described as a ‘bridge between Europe and organised civic society’. Established by the Treaty of Rome in 1957, its purpose is to unite three different economic interest groups i.e. the Employers, Workers (trade unions) and Special Interest groups. The 353 members of the EESC have advisory and consultative powers and express views and opinions to the three main legislative institutions of Europe: the European Commission, Council of Ministers and Parliament.
Role of the ESSC:
Since the Treaty of Maastricht it is mandatory for the ESSC to be consulted on treaty issues but the ESSC’s coverage extends to a range of areas including social policy, economic and social cohesion, environment, education, health, consumer protection, industrial policy, transnational issues including financial regulation and governance.
Crucially, the ESSC also produces its ‘own initiative’ opinions on issues outside of the European Commission’s legislative programme and can therefore bring civic, economic or social concerns onto the agenda. For example, the Workers Group recently promoted a ‘Tobin Tax’, on financial transactions in the banking sector of 5 cents for every 100 Euro transaction. This would create an estimated 55 billion Euro fund to implement a Living Wage and tackle the plight of low-wage economies.
Another critical success factor of the ESSC’s is its ability to build a common consensus amongst the three distinct interest groups. Although unlikely to reach immediate agreement, Georges Dassis, described the relative success of the Workers Group in advancing ideas that support a social Europe. The advancement of these ideas has been slowed by the Economic Crisis and prominence of austerity politics but unlike the rise of the extreme right in the European Parliament, the ESSC remains a more cohesive and less volatile body.
Future of the ESSC:
Georges Dassis believes that the ESSC is an important institution and that trade unions and the Left should continue to work in solidarity to support the work of the representatives on the Workers Group. Europe sets the ‘base level’ for Labour rights and protections and it is the duty of national governments to improve on them. Trade unions play a critical role and must continue to campaign for ‘a people’s Europe’ that continues to provide peace and security and rise to the big environmental, political and economic challenges of today e.g. TTIP
ERIS Comment:
We are grateful to Georges Dassis for his visit to ERIS. He reminds us that the voice of trade unions is heard through important organisations like the ESSC especially when aligned to the work of the European TUC and other trade union groups.
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