Zammit Dimech calls for smooth and timely implementation of EU laws as EP adopts two reports to improve working conditions

“I appeal to member states to ensure that changes to the directive on protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to substances causing cancer at work enter into force without delay and to take necessary measures to assist employers through adequate information and support to ensure its smooth implementation.” MEP Francis Zammit Dimech made these remarks at the European Parliament in Strasbourg after a vote on a report amending a directive to further protect workers from exposure to substances causing cancer was adopted. Zammit Dimech was the EPP Group Rapporteur in the Committee on Legal Affairs.

“In Malta we have 2,000 new cases of cancer a year and 900 annual deaths. This is why I have made the fight against cancer at the top of my agenda as an MEP. We need to fight cancer in each manner including at the workplace such as those working in construction, labs, electronics and waste management. Hence why we need to ensure that the workplace, the place were EU citizens spend a lot of time is a cancer free environment” added Zammit Dimech.

The EU has already limited exposure to 21 substances causing cancer and with today's vote, the EU has added 5 substances to the list. Zammit Dimech remarked “This is another example of how the EU can make a difference in our lives. I am glad to have contributed in this process”. He thanked several employers, cancer NGOs and health care professionals who assist employees diagnosed with cancer and their families.   

Safeguarding rights of cross-border workers crucial for employees and businesses

The European Parliament adopted a second report calling for the establishment of a European Labour Authority. Zammit Dimech who was the EPP Group Rapporteur in the Committee on Legal Affairs said “Irrespective of several regulations on workers’ rights and free movement, effective and efficient enforcement remains problematic and scant across the EU possibly due to insufficient cooperation. More and more people are working cross-border and so enforcement of laws is needed. Hence why we need a European Labour Authority.”

The main competence of the authority will be to ensure the effective application of the Union law in the areas of labour mobility and coordination of social security. As EPP Group rapporteur, Zammit Dimech worked on the law to set and regulate this authority. He tabled amendments after meeting stakeholders including unions and representatives of business in Malta. Proposals included the need of data protection in data collection and exchange, the importance to promote working opportunities within the union for persons with disabilities and better cooperation between member states in terms of enforcement. He also called for more transparency and reporting for the authority to be more accountable.

According to the European citizens, the freedom to travel, live, work, study and do business anywhere in the EU is the most cherished achievement of the EU. Zammit Dimech said “We need to ensure that free mobility also means fair mobility, that workers’ rights are guaranteed and protected throughout the EU. This is not just in the interest of workers but also in the interest of companies in particular SMEs to ensure fair competition.” He added that this was not only an opportunity to give peace of mind to workers travelling from one member state to another to work but also an opportunity to help businesses address the problem of skills-mismatch, a problem that has also been highlighted by businesses in Malta.