Brussels, 17/12/2012
The ETUC underlines the need to consider migrants first of all as human beings, to whom equal human and social rights must be ensured to the same extent as European citizens, as well as the right to free and fair mobility and to equal treatment in the workplace. This is the only way to fight social dumping and the exploitation of migrants, and to achieve a balanced and fair labour market in Europe.
“The European Union says Mr Visentini, Confederal Secretary of ETUC, says that it will grant third country nationals rights and obligations that are comparable to those of citizens of the Union. But up until now this promise has not been kept especially in the most recent directives in the migration field. We expect an important sign of change from the adoption, awaited soon, of the Proposals of Directive on seasonal employment and intra-corporate transfers of third country nationals. These two directives could mark a new phase in European migration policy in which the positive and concrete contribution that migrants make to the European economy could finally be acknowledged, granting them equal treatment and more transparent and accessible legal channels for migration.”
The ETUC is also calling for a fast ratification of the ILO Convention 189 on Domestic Work which would contribute concretely to improving the working and living conditions of thousands of migrants in Europe.