EU: ongoing legislative and social policy initiatives

Socially responsible restructuring.  Presented by S&D MEP Alejandro Cercas before the summer (see our dispatch No.  120350), the draft resolution on socially responsible restructurings should be audited by experts at the meeting of the Parliament committee on social issues on October 8-9.  The European Parliament’s services ordered surveys in several European research centers to evaluate the added value of the proposal made by the Spanish MEP and appreciate the relevance of EU intervention in this field.  Then, the same committee should vote the text on November 6.  The MEPs will then look into the 430 amendments added to the draft.  Currently, the text aims for a legislative proposal by the European Commission on the anticipation of change and socially responsible restructurings.  Some of the most disputed elements include the very form to give to the European action.  Cercas wants a binding system (Directive) but he is up against the European conservatives and liberals who hold the majority in Parliament and are opposed to this bill.