On 3rd March 2010, the European Federation of Building and Woodworkers (EFBWW)presented two European campaigns at the European Parliament. One campaign is focussing on a stronger fight against illicit work in the European construction sector. No other sector in Europe is more affected by various forms of social fraud and black labour. This has a very negative impact on working conditions and wages. A stronger enforcement of and compliance with existing rules at European level is required. The second campaign is targeting to get rid of all asbestos, still existing in Europe. Even though Europe has a general ban of asbestos and asbestos containing products, this deathly substance is still present in our daily lives, in public and private buildings, in public transportation systems and in products of our daily life.

Domenico Pesenti, EFBWW president, explained that the improvement of the working and living conditions of our members are the core of all our activities. Both campaigns are focussing exactly on this spot and both problems cannot be solved without involving the national levels.

Kyösti Suokas, EFBWW building vice-chair, underlined that the fight against all forms of illicit work needs practical measures and legal actions. Illicit employment destroys decent living conditions, contributes to the public deficit and further prevents a fair, level playing field for the building companies. The existing European legislative framework in this respect is absolutely not appropriate. Therefore, the EFBWW proposes various concrete European legislative instruments. We invite the European legislators to act together on this issue.

“Asbestos urgently needs a prompt co-ordinated action”, explained Lars Vedsmand, EFBWW health and safety expert. The overall aim is to get Europe asbestos free by 2023. The actions should focus on a comprehensive registration, safe working conditions, the training of workers and on the recognition of asbestos related diseases and compensation of asbestos victims. The EFBWW has prepared an action plan and started its implementation.

The EFBWW will distribute its information and proposals to all stakeholders at European and national level. The actions foreseen will be part of the EFBWW core tasks over the next years.

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