Surprise, surprise: Tory EU pamphlet “forgets” workers’ rights

The government has failed to include any substantive mention of the workers’ rights protected in EU law in its controversial 16-page pamphlet, which will be falling on doormats of homes across the UK this week.

There is only one short sentence on employment rights in the document, which has been produced at taxpayer expense. The sentence reads, in full: “It also guarantees many employment rights.”

Another Europe is Possible spokesperson Kieron Merrett said:

“Cameron’s £9m leaflet isn’t going to convince working people to vote to stay in the EU.

“The EU is the source of a huge number of our legal protections at work, including maternity rights, paid holidays and equal rights for temps and agency workers. These workplace protections are amongst the most important reasons to stay in Europe – yet the government’s leaflet glosses over all of this with a single, throwaway line.

“From tribunal fees to the Trade Union Bill, David Cameron has made no secret of his desire to attack working people and our rights at work. His vision for the EU is one of increasing inequality and corporate power. He should not be leading the campaign to remain.

“Our vision, and that of the trade unionists supporting us, is for a Europe which will stand up for working people. We are voting to stay in Europe to campaign for a Social Europe.”