WRITTEN QUESTION E-0169/00 by Jorge Hernández Mollar (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Piecework.
C 303 E/154 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 24. 10. 2000 Financial support measures for shipowners and crews affected by the non-renewal of the agreement with Morocco have been authorised by the Commission already. As from 1 January 2000 these will be financed as part of programmes under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) 2000-2006 for Spain and Portugal, in accordance with the conditions laid down in the new FIFG Regulation. (2000/C 303 E/168) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0164/00 by Rosa Díez GonzÆlez (PSE), Fernando PØrez Royo (PSE) and Luis Berenguer Fuster (PSE) to the Commission (31 January 2000) Subject: Competition transition costs (CTC) in Spain Without prejudice to the outcome of the assessment of the Spanish electricity sector entrusted to an independent expert by the Commission, will the Commission say how it determined which costs not able to be covered during the transition to competition derive directly from the regulatory framework adopted by Spain in the past? Has the Commission checked whether compensation has been paid to cover these costs in the past? Does it not find it unacceptable that consumers (whether eligible or not) should have to meet costs for CTC which in no way correspond to the definition of such costs? Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (28 February 2000) The Commission has not yet completed its examination of Spanish stranded costs and cannot therefore give an immediate answer to the first question put by the Honourable Members. It is clear in any event that costs already compensated for in the past will not be regarded as stranded costs. Electricity consumers will have to meet only costs which the Commission regards as stranded. (2000/C 303 E/169) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0169/00 by Jorge HernÆndez Mollar (PPE-DE) to the Commission (31 January 2000) Subject: Piecework The German firm Volkswagen has reintroduced piecework to the European car industry. Its 5 000 x 5 000 plan includes a condition unprecedented in this industry whereby working time is to be made a variable element of employment for which employees themselves are responsible. Does the Commission have any views on this new working arrangement involving a fixed salary for variable working hours? Could it be put forward as one way of helping to fight unemployment and create jobs in Europe? Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission (3 March 2000) The Commission considers that new forms of work organisation are likely to be most successful when they are introduced in agreement between the social partners. It is also important to ensure a suitable balance of flexibility and security. Innovative forms of work organisation can lead to an increase in employment, but this will depend very much on the particular circumstances