The EU decision-making processes are usually long, and often last for several years. One has to maintain an independent touch on matters and not allow one's train of thought to be seduced by the big machinery. Hellsten feels that social dumping is a definite threat, especially in agriculture, in the construction industry, in forestry work and in the hotel and catering business. The Directive will be an effective weapon in the fight against social dumping but it will not suffice alone to forestall the threat. The Directive applies to wages and salaries, hours of work, annual holiday, health and safety, equality and conditions for hiring.
Social security is governed by other administrative measures.
The fight against social dumping within the 15-member EU is by no means over. In the run-up to December 1999 there will be a need to put pressure on national legislators, who have to harmonise national legislation with the Directive. Trade unions and employer organisations must have a proper role in the application of the Directive. In any case, Hellsten thinks that the trade unions will have to devote considerable human and material resources to the continuing fight for just working conditions for employees sent by the companies of other countries. Germany is currently the main arena for this fight.