Calling on MEPs to reject the proposal on the ground handling draft regulation as the European Parliament's Transport Committee had done some weeks ago, GUE/NGL MEP Sabine Wils said its approval "would open the sluice gates to social dumping and a lack of safety for passengers."

MEPs were discussing three airport-related files on the further liberalisation of ground handling services, aircraft noise in and around airports, and the allocation of slots at EU airports. The ground handling regulation aims to increase the number of ground handling suppliers in the EU airports by liberalising an already opened market where social dumping is used to blackmail workers and trade unions.

"Work should provide a decent income without additional state support," said MEP Wils. "Increased competition should not result in a race to the bottom and passenger and ground staff safety does not come free of charge."

On the issue of noise pollution, Wils said that people who live near airports need to be protected. "Local sensitivities and local conditions must be decided on locally," she added.  

The vote takes place in Strasbourg tomorrow. Photos of today's demonstration by the European Transport Workers' Federation at the European Parliament buildings are available at www.guengl.eu