On the first day of the meeting ministers debated about the Posting of Workers dossier. A group of ministers emphasized the importance of the equal pay for equal work at the same place of work principle, the same protection of local and posted workers, and the unfair advantage of lower wages of posted workers. Their interventions also draw parity between posting and social dumping. Whereby other Member States, among them Hungary underlined the importance of the free movement of services, the need to wait for the results of the transposition of the enforcement directive, the unsatisfying impact assessment as well as the negative effects of the proposal on the Unions competitiveness. Deputy State Secretary Simon emphasized further, that Hungary will ask for the dossier being debated by the Competitiveness Council as well, and warned, that in case the rules for posting workers would be restricted, undeclared work will increase significantly.
Commissioner Marianne Thyssen emphasized that the European Social model is very successful as most Europeans enjoy a high level of protection. Nevertheless a new reality check is needed, in order to make sure, that these rights are still accessible and sustainable for the next generation when facing the challenges of the 21st century. That is the reason why the European Commission started a wide ranging consultation about the Pillar of European Social Rights. Deputy State Secretary Simon underlined the importance of the division of the members of the euro zone, and those Member States not using the single currency. He emphasized the need to preserve the integrity of the Single Market and that the relation of the Pillar to the social Acquis has to be clarified.
At the end of the meeting, ministers briefly discussed questions relating to the platform against undeclared work. Ministers shared their priorities in connection to the newly set up framework. Hungary draw attention to the importance of data collection, cooperation and the need for a comprehensive study report on undeclared work in the EU.
