Speeches

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, I'm sorry. The European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities are certainly documents, solutions that people with disabilities have long and patiently waited for, who, despite changes and improvements, still have limited access to education, health care, the labour market, employment, culture and sport. So these are the expected solutions. What was and remains the main objective of this Directive? Well, improving mobility, improving accessibility, so that people with disabilities who go to another Member State, during a short stay of up to three months, can benefit from the solutions used by a given Member State. Were the negotiations easy? No, I don't. Are there problems? Yeah, yeah, yeah. These are the result of differing case-law in the Member States. But the charter opens Europe.

Madam President, I'm sorry. On the occasion of the International Roma Day, I extend my warmest wishes to the entire Roma community in Europe, especially the Polish one, my country, from which the most outstanding Roma poet Papusza comes. Many Roma live on the margins of societies, in difficult conditions. This problem is very diverse, which is why meaningful social, educational and cultural activities are needed to give dignity and respect to this group. But I would like to refer to one element, the capital of the priceless Roma culture, which consists of a huge musical culture, a wealth of oral literature, dance identity. These elements have allowed the Roma to preserve their cultural identity for ten centuries in Europe. But remember that integration must be wise and must not be blind.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Commissioner, I'm sorry. We live longer and well, it's a civilizational achievement. Over the past 5 decades, the age of men and women has increased by 10 years, and according to forecasts for 2070, the average age of men will be 86 years, and the age of women will be 90 years. The question is different: What can I do to stay healthy for as long as possible? What can you do to be active and independent? Of course, the greatest influence on this has (it was also mentioned in other speeches) a healthy lifestyle. I would like to refer to one of these elements, because in such a short speech it is impossible to discuss all of them. I would like to say a few words about the movement. Movement is an attribute of life. Physical activity, physical performance, biological performance, everything depends on physical fitness. Because if we are not physically fit, we will be sentenced to the other person, whether it will be a person in the family or it will be the state care system. For a good active old age, we can not start working at the age of 50-60 years. It has to start early. The promotion must apply to as young people as possible, and then this activity must be maintained for as long as possible.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. The latest figures for 2022 show that 6.7% of Europeans, or 28.9 million Europeans, are at risk of material and social deprivation. Even more people are at risk of poverty: is 16.5% and affects 73 million Europeans, with a very wide variation between Member States – between 10% and 23%. In my country, Poland, this ratio is 13.7% and is one of the lowest. It didn't fall from the sky. This is the result of effective policies of the United Right government, effective social measures, a good situation on the labour market, economic growth and an increase in the minimum wage. But this, ladies and gentlemen, may change. The new government, the government of Donald Tusk, has halted the zero rate on food since 1 April, which could hit the poorest people the hardest.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, I'm sorry. The latest Eurostat report on occupational safety in 2023 identifies the industries that are most dangerous. This industry includes construction. This infamous ranking of construction in terms of the number of accidents has been going on for many, many years and probably applies to all countries of the European Union. Accidents in construction account for 22.5% of all fatal accidents, and over 12.9% of all other accidents. This situation is confirmed by the death of five employees on a construction project in Florence. Death in a situation where an employee goes to work and never returns is a drama. Everything must be done to reduce the drastic number of accidents in the construction industry.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Lead and its inorganic compounds have extremely harmful effects on health. Lead does not break down, accumulates in the body, it is especially dangerous for children. It affects the fertility of women and men and the development of the fetus. Damages the nervous system, kidneys, heart and blood. This revision of the Lead Directive is very important for health and safety at work, for the health of workers. This is the first change in lead exposure limits for workers in 40 years. It strikes a balance between better protecting European workers and avoiding the collapse of the European lead industry and dependence on lead supplies from third countries. In addition, the exposure limit has been reduced four times, a transitional period has been introduced, which will allow workers to continue their duties, and by reducing the content of lead in the blood, we will make new workers better protected.

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen, Job creation and quality are inseparable elements of the EU's Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Quality jobs include adequate pay and social protection, high health and safety standards, and the possibility of working part-time. Support should be provided in particular to younger generations and to medium-sized and small enterprises in support of economic growth. Particular attention should be paid to vulnerable groups, such as those experiencing or at risk of poverty or social exclusion. The European Social Fund (ESF+) should continue to be a driver for strengthening the social dimension of the Union, in line with the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, as an instrument to support countries and regions in achieving a high level of employment.

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. My friends, my friends! Occupational cancer is the leading cause of work-related deaths in the European Union and more than three quarters of all occupational cancers are linked to asbestos. Despite the ban on all types of asbestos in the European Union since 2005, asbestos has remained a huge threat to health and life, causing diseases such as asbestos dust, mesothelioma and lung cancer. There are many materials containing asbestos. They have been used in virtually every area of life, from roof insulation, various types of roofing, floor tiles to fire-fighting equipment. It is necessary both to ensure a safe place to live for many European families by removing asbestos by 2030 and to protect asbestos removal workers from countless buildings.

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. In Europe, the crisis is chasing the crisis, and the social consequences are most often felt by those most in need. In a rich Europe, 73 million Europeans are at risk of poverty. One in four children is at risk of poverty. 39% of children from middle-educated and lower-educated families in Europe experience material deprivation. In my country, in Poland, in a country so often unjustly attacked in this House, we have a completely different situation: a greater sense of security in the labour market, one of the lowest unemployment, lower poverty than average. You could even say one of the lowest. The lowest risk of child deprivation. Effective, strong, wise social policy. We have an increase in the minimum wage, a well-addressed policy for the elderly. Those in need are given priority. This is the result of family policy, healthy public finances. Perhaps it is worth looking at what social policy Poland has been conducting for many years?

Madam President, I'm sorry. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen, Firefighters have a completely unique profession, a special profession – they save our lives, our health, our property, our environment, our infrastructure. This is a good opportunity to tell all firefighters in Europe how much we respect them, how much we thank them. I would especially like to express my thanks to Polish firefighters, both those from the state guard and volunteer firefighters, who participate in many international missions, most recently in Greece, France, Sweden or Turkey. We know that this profession is a dangerous profession, but we must remember that there is a need to consider this profession as dangerous, because they are classified in the European Union today, just like office workers. We must remember that they are exposed to long-term effects of carcinogens, combustible, chemical agents, that they are exposed to secondary infections, that in many countries (not in Poland) they are not paid overtime. There are no statutory provisions and this indeed requires urgent solutions, but always in agreement with the Member States

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. The objective of this resolution is to further strengthen and promote social dialogue through concrete actions, both at national and EU level, by consulting the social partners on the design and implementation of economic, employment and social policies. This is to encourage the social partners to look at new forms of employment and to increase the potential of workers' and employers' organisations. Social dialogue is the salt of democracy, but it also requires the prudence and responsibility of all social partners. The negotiations were quite turbulent. We have succeeded in incorporating a number of our proposals, softening some of the wording of the provisions, e.g. the target of 90% collective bargaining coverage. At our request, the text takes into account the different situations of the social partners in different Member States and their problems. The text contains controversial provisions that we have tabled for a separate vote, and we hope to support the ECR proposals, our proposals.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Madam Minister, I'm sorry. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. The European Year of Skills initiative is a good idea. Today, 77% of European companies find it difficult to find suitably qualified workers. By 2030, we will need 20 million employees in the IT sector and by 2030 60% of adults should be trained, compared to 37% today, so the task is extremely ambitious. At the request of my political faction, the Committee on Employment will organise a public hearing on labour market and occupations of the future. It's also an important topic. Also at our request, reference was made to the importance of digital skills and the risk of a digital gap. In addition, references to the promotion of vocational education and events such as EuroSkills, which contribute to the attractiveness of the career path, have been included. This is important because this year's edition of this event promoting champions of competitions from around the world will take place in Poland. Negotiations with the Council also succeeded in rejecting the problematic provisions proposed by Parliament on the legal framework for paid traineeships. My faction will support this proposal. There is no doubt that we all need to know that lifelong learning will soon become an obligation for all of us.

Mr President, Ladies and Gentlemen, Russia has consistently pursued its plan to denationalise Ukrainians, targeting the most vulnerable group – children, often so small that they are unaware of their situation. They are stripped of their Ukrainian citizenship, make it difficult to communicate with their loved ones, inculcate Russian culture and take away their sense of belonging to Ukraine. Official figures say there are 16,000 deportees, but this could actually affect hundreds of thousands of children. Russia portrays this disgraceful act as the rescue or even deliverance of Ukrainian children, when in fact it is committing an international crime against the entire Ukrainian nation on another level, aiming at the future of the entire nation. The International Criminal Court has investigated the case and issued two arrest warrants in connection with the deportation of Ukrainian children, but their execution depends on international cooperation.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Madam Minister, I'm sorry. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. I am very pleased that this debate is so universal that it focuses on the entire transport industry, especially the situation of workers, and in particular workers from third countries. Why is it important for me as a Polish – and for all Poles – how drivers are treated (whether they be Georgians, Uzbeks or citizens of other countries)? We know what it's like to be treated badly on the job market. We went this way. Therefore, it is very important for us, for Poland, to strictly comply with all legal provisions, both national and EU law. This problem affects many international companies. We will not list them here today, because the problem is general. Let this strike – which continues and is so exciting, because unacceptable things are happening there, i.e. workers have not been paid their salaries (of course, verification of all this is underway), there has been theft of the work of those people who are distant from their home countries – there will be a debate in which we will actually tell you how to effectively implement the mobility package, what is the responsibility – as you said – of the commissioner, and therefore the responsibility of the freight forwarder to check whether the remuneration of drivers is being paid. After all, we are dealing with powers, with companies that can calmly enforce it as well. Thank you for this discussion. And I think, Commissioner, that the proposals will be general, for the benefit of mobile workers, posted workers.

I know very well what the pay gap between men and women looks like in different countries. The gap is huge between what is the wage gap in Luxembourg and what is, for example, in rich Germany, France and the Netherlands, where the average is from 0.7% to 18, or even up to 22%. I understand that there is a desire to minimise this gap. But I would like to point out that there are some countries that have their own social policies – I will also refer to other areas here – without precepts, using their own national strategies. I appreciate what is being done in Parliament, but I want the actions carried out by the Member States to be appreciated in this House as well.

Mr President, thank you very much. I will talk about the situation of women in terms of the pay gap, in my country, in Poland, a country that is so often attacked and criticised here in Parliament. The pay gap in Poland is 4.5%. Only Luxembourg, Romania and Slovenia are ahead of us. So in this ladder Poland is located high. As far as the public sector is concerned, we have a negative wage gap of 0.6%. On the other hand, in the private sector it is indeed at the European average level, i.e. 13%. For women aged 55-64, this figure is more than 6% in favour of women. In the construction sector, women earn better (9.6%), and in the sector of the economy called transport and warehousing, there is also a predominance of women. I am talking about saying that there are countries that before the directive were striving for this equality without an EU injunction. I am proud that this was happening in my country. Of course, there is some scope to be added and the Directive will certainly be helpful in this case. (The speaker agreed to respond to the speech signalled by the blue card)

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Friends and colleagues! The idea of minimum income is socially supportive and important, because minimum income is aimed at combating poverty, social exclusion by promoting adequate income support, effective access to supporting and basic services, integration into the labour market of people capable of it. However, these objectives should be pursued without prejudice to the competences of the Member States, as social and employment policies are primarily implemented by the Member States, which are responsible for identifying needs and matching them with internal opportunities. European Union initiatives must respect the Treaty-based division of competences, the principle of subsidiarity and social dialogue. A decisive issue for my work is the reference in the text of the resolution to the Adequate Income Directive. So this directive is the key vote and its rejection in the plenary vote will determine our recommendation for the final vote.

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen, The European Works Councils Directive needs to be revised as the importance of EU-scale undertakings and groups of undertakings has increased over the last several years and some provisions should and even need to be adapted to the new realities. The current information and consultation procedure is not adapted to the supranational structure. Nor do all Member States apply proportionate penalties for non-compliance with existing rules. In some countries, these penalties amount to only a few dozen euros. They are compromisingly low and do not constitute any barrier. Non-compliance is cost-effective because sanctions are irrelevant. The ECR supports any changes aimed at building an effective dialogue between the employer and workers' representatives. However, any changes to the Directive require maintaining a balance between protecting the rights and interests of workers and the efficient management of the company and maintaining the competitiveness of companies operating on the European Union market. However, some of these solutions are too radical and raise our doubts. The penalties provided for include a cut-off from public funds at national and EU level, and a fine of up to €20 million or 4% of the company's annual turnover. We offer solutions from wall to wall, from extremely low to extremely high. There is a lack of moderation here. It is proposed to apply a temporary suspension of management decisions, where these decisions are challenged on the basis of a belief that information and consultation procedures have been breached. In addition, the rapporteur has put forward a number of proposals that require further analysis, such as asking you to clearly specify in which cases confidentiality is justified, in order to limit access to information and to call for EWCs to be granted legal personality.

Mr President, thank you very much. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Madam Minister, I'm sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen, Recently, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs organised a hearing with Mark MacGann, a former Uber executive at management level. Mr. MacGann, now acting as a bona fide whistleblower, has exposed the company's lobbying practices and illegal activities and the pressure exerted on the highest levels of government in countries such as the UK, France and Russia. According to the press, Uber also held meetings and talks with members of the European Parliament and the European Commission. People were simply sold a lie. We have all heard about the dishonesty of the company towards its own employees, their use by falsely presenting the employment model as financially beneficial. Uber, of course, denies the accusations, but in this fight, the employee is in a lost position. Commissioner, we are waiting for the investigation, which is open, to be concluded, because everyone deserves real and fair explanations on this issue. Corruption cannot be ruled out either.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Mr. Secretary of State! Ladies and Gentlemen, The new European Union strategy should identify the key technologies and industrial sectors that determine the competitiveness of the European Union's economy. This is also very important for good jobs. The strategy should take into account digitalisation and the need to strengthen the digital skills of society, in particular with regard to jobs. New technologies are increasingly being used, but lack of adequate digital competences and unequal access to technologies persist. Job creation and quality are essential elements of the EU's Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. The economy and the world are changing, including forms of employment. There are fewer and fewer open-ended contracts or full-time jobs at all. We are also dealing with the phenomenon of in-work poverty despite full-time work. In the strategy, therefore, we must not lose the concern for good quality jobs.

Mr President, thank you very much. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen, Child poverty is the greatest failure of ineffective social policy. It is a shame not only for the countries concerned, but for all of us. Also politicians, that we allow it, that we are moved by this poverty, we speak in full emotion, but we keep talking about the same thing. I myself have repeatedly said that this is a competence of the Member States and that this competence must be respected. But, ladies and gentlemen, something needs to be done, because it is possible. Jest możliwe zlikwidowanie bądź znaczące ograniczenie biedy dziecka wpychającej je w zaklęty krąg ubóstwa, który będzie się za nim ciągnął przez całe życie. We did it in Poland. From 22nd place, Poland is in second place in terms of the scale of poverty. This is an appeal to states. No energy crisis, no economic crisis, no lockdown justifies those omissions that are. I subscribe to the Child Guarantee. Financial support is needed. We need an effective European policy to eradicate child poverty.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Ladies and Gentlemen, Poverty is the biggest and most difficult social problem. It is also a stain on wealthy communities. It requires urgent systemic solutions and actions, as well as ad hoc crisis actions. Combating poverty, especially child poverty, and supporting the most vulnerable is the responsibility of the Member States of the European Union, but it is also our moral duty. Eradicating poverty is also one of the five UN Sustainable Development Goals. Below the international poverty line - with just under $2 a day, 8% of the population lives. The number of people living in extreme poverty has decreased, but also to an unequal extent. The greatest progress in eradicating deep poverty has been made by Asian countries. Sub-Saharan Africa has also seen a significant decline in poverty, but still 44% of the population lives below the international poverty line. Employment is an anti-poverty factor. However, we know that many working people suffer from poverty. Large families, people with disabilities, especially children, are at risk of poverty. We must fight poverty effectively. The best solution is good education, not inheriting poverty, access to health care and improving the well-being of families.

Madam President, I'm sorry. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Friends and colleagues! The text of the European Parliament resolution addresses pressing problems and rightly calls for improved housing conditions for Roma communities, greater social inclusion and the fight against poverty. The activation of the Roma shows the dramatic housing situation in Roma settlements and these shocking conditions are absolutely unacceptable. Unfortunately, the text is also unacceptable in many places and completely deviates from the main subject of the resolution. It calls for a swift implementation of the general regime of conditionality for the protection of the Union budget, suggests that Member States are in breach of the European Union Treaties and wrongly accuses some countries of segregating and discriminating against Roma fleeing Ukraine. But I also want to say that in order to be effective in improving the situation of the Roma, good, well-thought-out national, local and regional policies and cooperation with these projects and co-financing from the European Union are necessary. I can use good practice from Poland. We create a network of teachers supporting the education of Roma students, we have educational and scholarship systems at all levels. Roma education assistants are included in the list of professions. I think that everyone needs determination, cooperation, resources and this effect of improvement can be achieved.

Mr President, thank you very much. The Directive on adequate minimum wages in the European Union has proved to be a real, difficult challenge. After intensive negotiations, we have reasonable but moderate solutions that take into account national circumstances and do not affect the competences of the Member States. It is crucial that the draft directive clearly indicates that it is the Member States that take into account the national socio-economic situation, decide on the importance of the mandatory criteria, respect valorisation, strengthen the role of the social partners. In Poland, there has been a sharp increase in the minimum wage, over seven years, from 2015 to 2022, an increase of 109% net. We have also introduced a minimum hourly rate, and the ratio of the minimum wage to the average wage is over 50%, which until recently was an unsurpassed trade union dream. We have achieved this through consistent, socially sensitive policies. Without European coercion, we have a policy of caring for employees. Workers, regardless of their place of employment, should be fairly remunerated for their work. Poverty is another... (The President took the floor)

Mr. Commissioner, I'm sorry. Mr President, thank you very much. Ladies and Gentlemen, This report is, in a way, a combination of two themes highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, i.e. accelerating digitalisation and mental health. Today’s widespread teleworking or platform work is accelerating digitalisation. On the other hand, the side effects of new realities, social exclusion, loneliness, difficulties in the dynamically developing labour market exacerbate mental health problems. The rapporteur presented in a balanced way both the advantages and opportunities of progressive digitalisation and the risks and the need to maintain an appropriate working culture. Thanks to the amendments of my ECR faction, a balance was maintained between the problems of young people, i.e. depression and problems with finding a job, and the problems of older people, i.e. social exclusion or the lack of appropriate skills and tools to function in the digital space.