Call for minimum wage in constitution blocked by Britain and Spain

Date: 16/01/03

By Dana Spinant

PROVISIONS for a minimum wage across the EU are not likely to be included in a future European constitution, following opposition led by the UK and Spain.

Georgos Katiforis, chairman of the "social Europe" working group in the Convention on the future of the EU, said a call by French socialists for guaranteed minimum incomes had failed to win widespread support.

A majority of members preferred the Anglo-Spanish stance, aimed at achieving market flexibility, he added.

The clash between French-led support for minimum social standards and the more liberal approach driven by the UK has split the Convention group.

In a joint paper, representatives of the UK, Spain and Estonia warned against a "crude policy of harmonisation of social standards" which would "constrain the adaptability" of Europe's economies.

They claim the present diversity of national traditions concerning trade unions, social insurance schemes, pensions, health care and welfare is a source of strength for the EU.

"National flexibility is needed for competitiveness and high employment," the paper points out.

While appreciating the creation of the EU's single market, the three countries warn against an "ambitious" approach in the social field. "The creation of a single welfare state would be an impossible goal, even if the political consent for such a step existed, which it certainly does not."

Peter Hain, the British representative, clearly left his mark on the paper, which also cautions that "more social protection for those in work could make it harder to secure more and better jobs".

The working group is due to report to the Convention's plenary in February.

Provisions for a minimum wage across the EU are not likely to be included in a future European constitution, following opposition led by the UK and Spain.