European Central Banks trade unions meet in Portugal

Download article in original language : PT9703108NPT.DOC

A working group set up by the Standing Committee of the European Central Banks' Trade Unions met in Ferreira do Zêzere in March, and issued a declaration relating to the rights of workers involved in the production and circulation of the Euro.

The Manual and Technical Functions Working Group set up by the Standing Committee of the European Central Banks' Trade Unions met in Ferreira do Zêzere from 10 to 14 March 1997. It was the group's eighth meeting, which was also attended by several members of the Standing Committee.

The Working Group examined the procedures being adopted with a view to the introduction of the Euro, the European Union single currency. In the opinion of those who participated, the adjustments and restructuring that production and circulation of the Euro entails must not take place at the cost of jobs and employees' social rights. The credibility of the Euro demands that working and training conditions, and careers, be guaranteed and improved.

In its declaration, the group points out that, with regard to the manufacturing quotas allocated to each country participating in the single currency, each manufacturing centre or mint already in existence should manufacture the number of notes needed to satisfy national requirements. The group warns against any trend towards competition between central banks and is particularly opposed to attempts by certain private organisations to impose their own technologies. Emphasis is placed on the value of greater joint working between members of the Standing Committee and heads of European Monetary Institute (EMI), assisted by the JARVIS group (the specialist group responsible for the technical analysis of all questions relating to the preparation, administration and circulation of the Euro). The Working Group also insists on greater steps being taken to provide information and training as part of the process of setting up the single currency.