INFORMAL EMPLOYMENT COUNCIL (BERLIN) : QUALITY WORK, ADEQUATE SALARIES, NO MORATORIUM.

• Position: Brief article

"Europe has to step up common efforts to promote quality work," states a joint declaration drawn up by the German Presidency of the EU in cooperation' with the next two Presidencies (Portugal and Slovenia) following the informal Employment and Social Affairs Council on 18 and 19 January in Berlin. The text leaves no doubt as to Council President Franz Muntefering's commitment in this area. "Work is desirable for human beings but must be in keeping with their dignity," he told the press.

The declaration reorients the flexicurity' principle [combining flexibility for employers and security for employees]. "The ministers consider that greater flexibility on the labour market must be matched with appropriate rights for workers." It is for the member states and social partners "to prevent greater flexibility on the labour market from reducing workers' social protection, and to act in favour of the adoption of fair and adequate...