WRITTEN QUESTION E-1184/03

by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(1 April 2003)

Subject: Community aid

The management of companies belonging to the group of Fabolin Linhas, Cetins e Têxteis Lar, Ltd (Fabolin, Rustilinho and Nobrylinho), based in Vila Verde in the district of Braga, Portugal, is illegally dismissing employees, including four pregnant women. It should be noted that this enterprise has achieved a certain notoriety through its use of clandestine and child workers.

Employees assume that the enterprise has received Community aid for the construction of the new building and employment aid, notably between 1990 and 1995.

Will the Commission say what it knows about possible Community aid for this group and what measures are to be taken to protect employees' rights?

Joint answerto Written questions E-1184/03 and E-1185/03given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(22 May 2003)

The information available to the Commission, which has been confirmed by the Portuguese authorities, shows that in 1989 Fabolin received PTE 18 139 000 in Community aid as part-financing from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). However, no aid has been granted to Decobook Lda. It is up to the Member State to take the legal action required to recover that aid if it turns out that it has not been used in accordance with the agreements it made with the firm when the aid was granted.

Similarly in the case of workers' rights, it is up to the Member State to ensure the application of the national legislation in force, with due regard to the relevant Community directives.