Tuesday 18 September 2012

In the Employment Committee today: British workers short-changed.

It was a lengthy voting session in the Employment Committee today.
Amongst the many amendments to be considered was a so-called compromise amendment  tabled by 3 of the political groups on the subject of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF). This is a mechanism whereby redundant workers can obtain funding for retraining. It is very expensive, and is heavily used.
But it is not available for British workers.
If we apply for access to this fund - which we contribute to - then this would adversely affect the terms of our rebate. The British government blithely accepts this state of affairs, probably in the hope that nobody at home will notice. Well, I noticed. That is the value of attending these otherwise dreary committee meetings. At a time of economic crisis great pressure is being put on our workforce, and I consider it an essential part of my work to keep my eye on the ball.