Among the subjects under debate at this month's Brussels parliamentary session, MEPs looked at the prospects for closer trade union co-operation across Europe. There is a growing cross-Europe consensus on the issue, and since the adoption of the Treaty of Amsterdam all 15 member states have signed the Community Charter on Fundamental Social Rights for Workers which guarantees the right of association for employers and employees.
Most speakers wanted the right of free association to be enshrined in the Treaty on European Union and for trade union organisations to be involved in establishing trade union rights at a European level.
Speaking in the debate, Bernie Malone (Dublin, PES) noted that Ireland is a member of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and that the ILO has recently adopted a new Convention on Global Labour standards, including the right to join unions and to bargain collectively.
She complained that "the Irish Constitution, as interpreted by the Courts, gives employers the right to refuse to recognise unions". She went on to argue that "the Ryanair dispute was a recent and
blatant example, with management refusing to negotiate with SIPTU in relation to a group of young, badly paid baggage handlers". Ms Malone concluded by calling on EU Social Affairs Commissioner, Padraig Flynn, to come forward with an EU Directive that would ensure that partnership at work is based on the "the firm foundation of union recognition".