Anti-Lisbon group makes false claims about the minimum wage and workers’ rights
Such is the inaccuracy of their claims that I feel compelled to set the record straight in relation to a number of them.
I was particularly disturbed by Cóir’s suggestion that the minimum wage could be reduced to €1.84 under the Lisbon Treaty.
This is simply untrue. Ireland’s minimum wage is exclusively a matter for the Irish Government and has nothing whatsoever to do with the EU. Far from undermining workers’ rights, the Lisbon Treaty significantly strengthens the hand of workers by giving legal status to the charter of fundamental rights.
This advances protection for workers in terms of collective bargaining and action, the right to information and consultation, the right of access to placement services, protection in the event of unfair dismissal, fair and just working conditions and prohibition on the exploitation of younger workers. It is also interesting to note in this context that the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), which represents approximately 60 million workers across Europe, has endorsed the treaty.
John Monks, general secretary of the ETUC, has described it as “a step forward” for social Europe and has said that it would “help, not hinder” workers.
Another claim made by Cóir is that the treaty will pave the way to abortion. Such a suggestion is beyond ridiculous. The Government secured a guarantee at the European Council last June that it will retain control over sensitive ethical issues related to the protection of the right to life, the family and education.
In fact, Ireland’s domestic position is already protected in the EU context by the Maastricht protocol (1992) on the right to life of the unborn. The only way abortion can be legalised in this country is if the Irish people vote for it in a national referendum.
Cóir has described the aforementioned guarantees as worthless. Again, this is completely false. The legal guarantees constitute an international agreement which will enter into force on the same day as the Lisbon Treaty.
They will then be included in a protocol to be attached to the EU treaties at the time of the next accession treaty. Never in the history of the EU has a protocol been broken.
With less than a month to go until the Lisbon Treaty referendum, I look forward to a real debate based on solid facts rather that false claims.
Chris Andrews, TD
Leinster House
Dublin 2
