Europe, the EU and Britain: Workers’ Rights and Economic Democracy (Download, trade union)

On 01 July 2017, labour movement leaders from across Europe met at the Marx Memorial Library, London, to discuss how a progressive future for workers’ rights can be sought following the UK’s vote to leave the EU. This report documents the meeting, including the transcripts of each presentation, as well as notes on the discussion between panel and delegates on the day.

About the book

On 01 July 2017, labour movement leaders from across Europe met at the Marx Memorial Library, London, to discuss how a progressive future for workers’ rights can be sought following the UK’s vote to leave the EU. Representatives from Ireland, Portugal, Cyprus, France and Great Britain shared the impact of EU membership, as well as the referendum vote, on their populations, as well as detailing the shape and expected impact of various new trade agreement options.

Common themes emerged from the discussion, including evidence that neoliberal policies adopted by EU political structures have disempowered workers across the bloc. These include the coordinated privatisation of public services, court decisions that prioritised the rights of business over those of workers, and the collapse of collective bargaining across multiple nations following interference from supranational bodies and as an effect of the free movement of labour. In terms of the future of the UK, several speakers demonstrated how key proposals in the Labour Party Manifesto For the Many Not the Few cannot be implemented while the nation remains part of the EU.

This report documents the meeting, including the transcripts of each presentation, as well as notes on the discussion between panel and delegates on the day.