The European Union needs to make a clear shift towards social welfare and social justice, Cypriot Member of the European Parliament, Vice-Chair of GUE/NGL, Neoklis Sylikiotis has said, noting that Cyprus has the largest proportion of workers who, despite their desire to have a permanent job, are forced to work on short-term contracts.
Sylikiotis was speaking on Friday during a working breakfast with journalists in Nicosia, organized by the European Parliament`s Office in Cyprus, where the MEP presented his report on “Working conditions and precarious employment”.
Noting that according to surveys non-standardized forms of employment are constantly increasing in the EU, he said that this is often leading to conditions of poverty.
Sylikiotis’ report will most probably be presented at the EP plenary for voting in July.
The Cypriot MEP pointed out that despite the fact that his report is not legislative, together with other EP reports it can exert pressure on the Commission as regards the EU’s social pillar.
Even major political groups, he said, acknowledge that there is a huge problem in the area of workers’ rights, noting that there is a momentum at the EP with MEPs demanding for solutions.
Referring to Cyprus and other states (Greece, Portugal) where economic programs have been implemented by the Troika, he said that the problem of labor market deregulation and precarious employment is increasing.
He said that Cyprus has the largest proportion of workers who, despite their desire to have a permanent job, are forced to work on short-term contracts.
Sylikiotis added that in Cyprus and Germany, young people are under-employed in conditions of internship for up to two years without being offered any permanent employment. As a result, he said, they are trapped in the vicious circle of unemployment-internship-unemployment which benefits businesses.
He went on to say that Cyprus ranks first in the EU as regards the highest share of under-employed, reaching 9.2%.
Despite the fact that the government in Cyprus refers to a ‘success story’, the reality is very different, he said, adding that this is demonstrated in the recent Commission’s report for the Cypriot economy.
Following his intervention, Sylikiotis replied to a series of questions by the journalists.
The draft report calls on the Commission and the Member States to combat non-standard, atypical and precarious forms of employment, in line with the ILO Decent Work Agenda and the European Social Charter.
It underlines the need for public investments promoting upwards convergence, the social cohesion of the Union and the creation of decent work.
It stresses that the policies of the Member States should be formulated and implemented in accordance with national law and practice, in consultation with, and without prejudice, the most representative organisations of employers and workers.
The draft report calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure effective protection to workers especially affected by uncertainty and precariousness, giving special priority to women workers, young workers, older workers, workers in the informal economy, migrant workers and workers with disabilities.
