by Chris McLaughlin
A CROSS-PARTY coalition of Euro-MPs is threatening to stage a campaign to “veto” this year’s incoming European Commission over calls for changes in the law on foreign workers’ rights across the European Union.
The move follows a declaration from EU Commissioner for Employment Vladimir Spidla that the Commission needs to review labour laws and recent rulings from the European Court of Justice.
But some MEPs believe that a review is insufficient and that firm commitments for specific changes in the law should be sought.
A small number of MEPs from Britain, Germany and Italy, representing socialists, Greens and European left groups are threatening to seek votes in the European Parliament to block the appointment of the new Commission.
The action follows the disputes over jobs at the Lindsey Oil Refinery and other sites in Britain.
Labour’s Glyn Ford, who is among the rebels, said: “If we are to end social dumping within Europe we must change the law. Talking is not enough. We want the incoming Commission to commit to the necessary changes.”
Labour’s leader in Europe, Glenis Willmott has welcomed the promise of a review, calling for “clarity on the current legal situation” and for the Commission to be “pro-active”.
A spokesperson for the EPLP insisted that, contrary to a report in Tribune last week, there is no division within the group on the need to “clarify and review” the law.
