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Accepting that the EU has legislative powers in the area of wages would put us on a dangerous path - it could be used to increase the lowest levels of pay, but in a recession or financial crisis, it could be used to lower wages (Photo: Andrew Willis)

Why EU minimum wage is actually bad idea for workers

The EU can only act in those areas where its member countries have authorised it to do so, via the EU treaties.

When it comes to labour market policy, the treaty is very clear. Pay, the right of association, the right to strike and the right to lock-out are not issues where the EU can act. Any attempt to circumvent this would probably, and rightfully, be contested and brought before the European Court of Justice.

An issue of broad and current interest is the new EU Commission pre...

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Disclaimer

The views expressed in this opinion piece are the author’s, not those of EUobserver

Author Bio

Therese Svanström is president of the Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees (TCO), which comprises comprises 13 affiliated trade unions with more than 1.4 million members.

Accepting that the EU has legislative powers in the area of wages would put us on a dangerous path - it could be used to increase the lowest levels of pay, but in a recession or financial crisis, it could be used to lower wages (Photo: Andrew Willis)

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Author Bio

Therese Svanström is president of the Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees (TCO), which comprises comprises 13 affiliated trade unions with more than 1.4 million members.

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