Home > Resources > Political Department > Unite in Europe > Viking, Laval, Ruffert and Luxembourg

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) delivered decisions in these four cases between 11 December 2007 and 19 June 2008. The cases give clear precedence to freedom for business in the EU over fundamental collective and trade union rights. 

Although the cases have a cross-border element, if the decisions are allowed to stand, they will sanction social dumping, undermine collective agreements and prevent trade unions from taking industrial action to protect members’ terms and conditions.  Businesses can restructure, and have, to create a cross border element so as to take advantage of freedom for them to move goods and services, capital and even workers in the EU. 

• The cases

  Click here for more information

• The right to strike at risk

  By Derek Simpson, Joint General Secretary

• The UK impact

  Click here for more information

• Why the ECJ rulings highlight the need for a reinvigorated social Europe

  By Richard Corbett MEP