Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2002-07-04-Speech-4-025"
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"en.20020704.2.4-025"2
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"Mr President, the human measure is the measure that befits employment. The paradigm of economic growth, on the other hand, is an abstraction, with little relevance in practice. Recent developments have shown an increase in unemployment, but the people behind the statistics, losing jobs and income, are being overlooked. The report by Mr Schmid tries to keep sight of the human element behind the abstraction of employment policy. I should like to make two comments on this human measure in the employment strategy.
First of all, I set great store by the fact that the resolution stresses the power of local employment plans. In the explanatory statement, the rapporteur points out that the local labour market is stable and less sensitive to the economic cycle. From my own experience as a member of the Capelle-aan-den-Ijssel municipal council, I can report that local employment policy is effective. This does, however, make me wonder about Europe’s role if local employment policy leads to a stable climate. Indeed, in this way, a framework is created at European level for the promotion of employment, far removed from the citizens and their regions, and limiting the scope for developing own initiatives in different areas.
Consequently, Europe’s role in the local employment strategy is, in my view, restricted and, at most, a coordinating one. Its role is confined to exchanging experiences with regard to the participation of target groups that are difficult to reach and the role which education has in promoting employment.
Secondly, I should like to draw attention to the effects of the formulated policy. The aim of promoting labour participation for women and creating equal opportunities for different groups throws up new dilemmas. Suffice it for me to refer to the impact on families, social contacts, voluntary work and care for others. It is not sufficient to draw attention to the special significance of high-quality childcare. The acquired right of women and men to choose a role in caring for the family and extended family, is a great privilege in our western society. The pressure to take part in the labour process, however, is considerable, and we need to strike a proper balance here. Participation in the labour process need not preclude care, and providing care in families should also be recognised as work.
Finally, I should like to express my support for this resolution. European policy on employment should not eclipse local and regional initiatives. However, European policy should support local initiatives to allow citizens to take part in the labour process, so that work and care tasks can be neatly combined. I think this would serve people the most."@en1
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