GUE/NGL MEP Thomas Händel's own initiative report on cross-border collective bargaining and transnational social dialogue was adopted by the European Parliament's Employment committee today.

Following the vote, which saw 31 MEPs give their thumbs up to the text (6 MEPs rejected the file), Thomas Händel commented: "Because of increasing trans-nationalisation of the management of groups of companies, there is a growing need for cross-border labour relations systems to solve problems. However, for employees, the scope of labour-law and employment-law systems does not as a rule extend beyond national borders. We need clear legal conditions for these workers."

Today, few companies operate exclusively in a national context, with most major corporations active in several European countries.

Händel continued: "This process of trans-nationalisation must not be pursued at the cost of the structurally more vulnerable employees or even result in pure wage dumping and social dumping.

"Efficient undertakings with good work and high employment rates are the goal, which will only be attainable by means of a high quality social dialogue based on legal provisions. It's about creating a clear and transparent optional legal framework for European transnational company agreements."