EU countries urged to stand firm on GSP regulation
European Union states must include strong clauses to defend workers' rights in the new Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) regulation providing trade benefits for developing countries, representatives of the international trade union movement declared in Brussels.
The ICFTU, European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and World Confederation of Labour (WCL) said they are deeply concerned at reports that the European Commission and certain member states are considering a clause to water down the GSP's labour standards content.
The "GSP-plus" system provides increased trade benefits, through reduced tariffs, for countries that have ratified and implement fully a specified number of international human rights, workers' rights, women's rights and environmental conventions.
The ICFTU represents 145 million workers in 233 affiliated organisations in 154 countries and territories.
