How will the Charter improve the rights of European workers? Which countries have special arrangements?
The Lisbon Treaty introduces the Charter of Fundamental Rights into European primary law. The six chapters of the Charter cover the following aspects: individual rights related to dignity, freedoms, equality, solidarity, rights linked to citizenship status and justice. The institutions of the Union must respect the rights written into the Charter. The same obligations are incumbent upon the Member States when they implement the Union’s legislation. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) will ensure that the Charter is applied correctly. The incorporation of the Charter does not alter the Union’s powers, but offers strengthened rights and greater freedom for citizens. The recognition of rights under the solidarity title (e.g. workers’ rights to information and consultation, right of collective bargaining, fair and just working conditions) is an important step towards a better protection of workers. For instance, the ECJ may, when interpreting EU law, refer to the Charter or find laws incon
