Labour Party not reflecting workers concerns on Lisbon

national | eu | press release Saturday September 26, 2009 12:33 by PBPA - People Before Profit Alliance press at peoplebeforeprofit dot ie 087 6775468

Public Services at risk from Treaty

People Before Profit Condemns Gilmores Attack on the Left
The People Before Profit Alliance today condemned Labour Party Eamonn Gilmore for his cynical attack on left wing parties who are campaigning against the Lisbon Treaty.

They called on him to engage in an honest debate on the Treaty rather than trying to scare voters into voting yes.

ouncillor Richard Boyd Barrett said “It’s a bit rich of Mr Gilmore to accuse us of putting the economy and jobs at risk when he knows that its EU policies and the policies of this government which have caused the recession. Lisbon offers more of the same failed policies. We need a change in political direction in Europe to cope with the economy crisis.

The People Before Profit Alliance is arguing for a new direction in Europe. A Europe that puts spending on jobs, education and health before arms spending. A Europe that guarantees workers rights over the rights of big business.

The People Before Profit Alliance is arguing for a new direction in Europe. A Europe that puts spending on jobs, education and health before arms spending. A Europe that guarantees workers rights over the rights of big business.

A majority of workers rejected the Treaty the last time. Labour is failing to address the real concerns they have about the Treaty. Mr Gilmore has decided to join an unholy alliance of failed politicians and union busters like Michael O Leary rather than stand of the side those who will lose most if the Treaty is ratified. We urge all those committed to the values on which the Labour Party was founded to vote NO”.

The Alliance rejects Labour’s claim that public services are not at risk from the Treaty. We say the treaty will lead to further liberalization and privatisation.
Councillor Brid Smith said “Art 14 of Lisbon would allow the EU to set down the 'economic and financial conditions' under which public services, including health, should be run. This will lead to the more forceful application of competition rules to public services. We note that IBEC have welcomed the treaty because it
‘ creates the legal basis for the liberlisation of services of general economic interest. A Yes vote creates the potential for increased opportunities for Irish business particularly in areas subject to increasing liberalisation such as Health, Education, Transport, Energy and the Environment’.

It is also the case that under Article 207 the veto in relation to international trade agreements , including GATS, will be removed for social services, health and education. It will only remain in limited and undefined circumstances. It is self evident that the Commission envisages more trade in these services otherwise it would not be seeking to change the voting procedures. This will lead to further privitisation and undermine the capacity of public providers to provide services which are freely accessible to all.

The Labour Party should take note that there is gave concern among trade unionist about opening up trade in these areas. The international federation of teacher unions, Education International, to which all Irish teacher unions belong, is seeking to have education excluded from the scope of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS)”.

The People Before Profit Alliance is running a positive campaign and calling for a Europe which forces on eliminating poverty, which prioritises spending on health and education over military spending, which gives primacy to job creation and the rights of workers. A Europe that puts people before profit. Only by voting NO can we open up a debate which can lead to a real change for the future in Europe .
For more information contact: Eddie Conlon 087 6775468