by WOLF JACKLEIN
1. Disregard for basic workers’ rights
The US has ratified only two out of eight basic International Labour Organization conventions designed to protect workers. All EU member states meanwhile have adopted them. History suggests that free trade treaties tend to lead to “harmonisation” around the lowest common denominator. European workers’ fears that their current rights will be eroded are not misplaced.
2. Reduction of workers’ rights to collective representation
The logic of TTIP is to do away with “barriers” that impede the intercontinental flow of goods. This will make it easier for companies to choose where they base their production facilities on “cost” grounds, especially social ones. Workers’ entitlement to be involved — including such things as the right to information and the right of works councils to be consulted — will still stop at the border. TTIP will therefore mean a weakening of workers’ rights, despite guarantees under the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights.
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