51998IP1094

B4-1094/98, 0077 and 0081/99

Resolution on the relocation by the Xerox Corporation

The European Parliament,

- having regard to Directive 75/129/EEC, as amended by Directive 92/56/EEC, on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to collective redundancies,

- having regard to Directive 94/45/EC on the establishment of a European Works Council or a procedure in Community-scale undertakings and Community-scale groups of undertaking for the purposes of informing and consulting employees,

- having regard to its resolution of 13 November 1996 on industrial restructuring and relocation in the European Union ((OJ C 362, 2.12.1996, p. 147.)),

A. whereas the Xerox Corporation has announced a reorganisation of economic activity and jobs in Mitcheldean in England and Venray in the Netherlands,

B. noting that the Mitcheldean and Venray plants are Xerox's most efficient manufacturing operation in the world and have enjoyed excellent industrial relations,

C. whereas Xerox is a major employer in the Venray area and the main employer in Mitcheldean; whereas no compulsory redundancies have yet been announced,

D. welcoming, on the other hand, the Xerox Corporation's announcement of an increase of up to 1000 jobs in its total European manufacturing workforce as a consequence of its new plant in Dundalk,

E. disappointed and concerned at the limited consultation with employees' representatives or local government in Mitcheldean,

F. worried that EU financial support can on occasion enable Member States to attract companies from other parts of the Union with subsidies and extremely low taxes,

1. Calls on the Commission to end situations by which the Union and Member States directly and indirectly subsidise relocation within the Union;

2. Points out that the creation of employment in the Dundalk region is an important support for peace and reconciliation in the border area and welcomes in principle the initiative to create jobs in the region;

3. Calls on the Commission to report to Parliament on whether the conditions offered to Xerox Corporation by the authorities in Ireland are in accordance with EU laws and regulations;

4. Calls on the Commission to report to Parliament on whether Xerox Corporation has fulfilled all requirements for worker information and consultation under EU law;

5. Calls on the Commission to indicate to what extent the proposals with regard to harmful tax competition may offer a solution in similar cases in the future;

6. Welcomes the fact that Xerox is considering individual requests from personnel with appropriate skills in Mitcheldean and Venray to move to the Dundalk facility;

7. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the UK, Dutch and Irish governments.