Labour MEPs have called on European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker to take action on posted workers, precarious employment and zero-hours contracts.
Mr Juncker took questions from MEPs at a meeting of the centre-left Socialists and Democrats (S&D) Group last night.
Richard Corbett MEP, Labour’s Deputy Leader in the European Parliament, asked Mr Juncker:
What are you going to do to make people see that being a member of the EU actually brings job security?
We in the Labour Party want the EU to do more on economic growth and more on securing fairness in Europe’s single market, where its rules protecting consumers, workers and the environment need strengthening. In particular, we demand a fairer system on posted workers; an EU that will take action in tackling precarious employment; and an EU willing to take action to end the scourge of zero-hour contracts.
So what action will you propose to help us to take on these specific issues and show the people of the United Kingdom the best way to a secure future is by staying in the EU and taking action on the issues I have raised?
Mr Corbett also pushed Mr Juncker on the need for continuing and visible reforms of EU policies.
He said:
As you will be aware, we are just a few weeks away from a general election in the UK, one that could completely change the face of the EU.
The Conservatives and David Cameron are dancing to Nigel Farage’s tune and risking Britain’s membership of the EU – whilst the Labour party are committed to keeping our country in the EU.
But we need to show that EU policies are being reformed, adapted and improved – especially those that make a real difference to people’s lives.
