(THIS ARTICLE IS MACHINE TRANSLATED by Google from Norwegian)
In its consultation statement, LO states that the directive could lead to social dumping. The competition between 28 different business laws in the 28 EEA countries "Will lead to undue pressure on the liberalization of regulations which, among other things, will protect citizens and workers".
Since companies are only bound by the regulations of the country in which they are established, there is an obvious danger of being opened "Mailbox office in countries where the regulations are less burdensome".
Similar protests have come from trade unions in other countries, including from Euro-LO, the European Trade Union Confederation (DEFS).
Election campaign for left parties
In many countries, leftist parties are pushing for a debate on the directive as part of the election campaign ahead of the European Parliament elections in June.
In Sweden, this has led to Prime Minister Göran Persson once again turning round.
For years, EU governments have adopted statements that have called for a service directive that could sharpen competition in key service industries and contribute to the EU becoming the world's “Most competitive area” – as required by the so-called Lisbon Strategy adopted in 2000.
From yes to no
Göran Persson and several of the ministers in his government have – time and time again – participated in unanimous EU decisions to obtain mutual approval of services regulated and controlled by the country where the service provider has registered his company.
Now the Swedish Parliament is being heard by the country's prime minister: "We will do what we can to stop this."
Will Persson be as tough in Brussels as in Stockholm? It is determined by how much pressure from the Swedish trade union movement becomes.
Must demand Norwegian veto!
The trade union movement in Norway must demand a Norwegian veto against the Services Directive to enter into the EEA Agreement.
There should be a majority for this in the Storting as well – if the Christian People's Party and the Liberal Party want to participate in the fight to prevent social dumping from being imposed on most of Europe, Norway included.
The EEA agreement the two parties are so fond of, does not get worse if that match is won!
