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As a European I hate these types of EU initiatives. Why not let member states decide on this themselves? When Sweden voted to join the EU there was a lot of t

As a European I hate these types of EU initiatives. Why not let member states decide on this themselves? When Sweden voted to join the EU there was a lot of talk about the subsidiary principle[0], but it seems almost completely forgotten now. I guess one could argue that it affects the internal labour market in some way, but so could pretty much any issue. I would love to see more members of the EU parliament vote against proposals like this, but I guess it's hard to be on record as saying no to something you might be in favour of - if raised on another level. [0] "Specifically, it is the principle whereby the EU does not take action (except in the areas that fall within its exclusive competence), unless it is more effective than action taken at national, regional or local level." (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/summary/glossary/subsidiarity.html https://eur-lex.europa.eu/summary/glossary/subsidiarity.html)

isbvhodnvemrwvn 6y ago
Given that one of the fundamentals of the EU is freedom of movement of workers, workers rights fall right into core competences of EU legislation.
- mediascreen 6y ago
  How does this affect freedom of movement of workers? Could we not have freedom of movement with slightly different laws in different countries? Does every little thing relating to the labour market need to be regulated centrally? It's just one of those things that always goes in one direction. Central regulation is just piled on.
  - isbvhodnvemrwvn 6y ago
    This assures that workers from poorer countries are not put in sweatshop positions in the west. Just basic human dignity.
    - mediascreen 6y ago
      Centralised "right to disconnect" regulation is what will protect workers from sweatshops? I'm not saying there should be no labour regulations in EU, just that there is a lot of detailed regulation that is more appropriate to do on a national level where it can take local culture and priorities into account. And the fundamental EU principle of non discrimination based on nationality should ensure that for example a Rumanian worker in France has the same "right to disconnect" as a French worker. I can't see why Swedes can't decide that they don't mind work emails during the weekend while Germans decide they want to have email free vacations.

isbvhodnvemrwvn 6y ago

Given that one of the fundamentals of the EU is freedom of movement of workers, workers rights fall right into core competences of EU legislation.

mediascreen 6y ago
How does this affect freedom of movement of workers? Could we not have freedom of movement with slightly different laws in different countries? Does every little thing relating to the labour market need to be regulated centrally? It's just one of those things that always goes in one direction. Central regulation is just piled on.
- isbvhodnvemrwvn 6y ago
  This assures that workers from poorer countries are not put in sweatshop positions in the west. Just basic human dignity.
  - mediascreen 6y ago
    Centralised "right to disconnect" regulation is what will protect workers from sweatshops? I'm not saying there should be no labour regulations in EU, just that there is a lot of detailed regulation that is more appropriate to do on a national level where it can take local culture and priorities into account. And the fundamental EU principle of non discrimination based on nationality should ensure that for example a Rumanian worker in France has the same "right to disconnect" as a French worker. I can't see why Swedes can't decide that they don't mind work emails during the weekend while Germans decide they want to have email free vacations.