Industrial policy for quality jobs
A Just Transition policy framework and Directive to anticipate and manage change
Adopted at the Executive Committee meeting of 24-25 June 2024
European climate measures are unfit for social transformation.
At time of geopolitical crisis, it is even more important to support and strengthen European democracy. This is why the European social partners – ETUC, BusinessEurope, SGI Europe and SMEunited – are calling on those who are eligible to vote in the upcoming European elections to make their voices heard.
As representatives of trade unions and employers across Europe, we are united in our belief that participation in these elections is not just about electing policymakers; it is about securing a bright future for all and addressing the key challenges of our time.
The revision of the European Works Council Directive was proposed by the European Commission at the request of the European Parliament. Regrettably, the European employers' organisations do not seem to appreciate this democratic practice. There is no other way to understand the public statement published on 22 March by Business Europe, Hotrec, EuroCommerce, European Banking Federation, ECEG and CEEMET and sent to the Employment Committee of the European Parliament and the Council.
The European trade movement, under the auspices of the European Trade Union Confederation, met with the Ukrainian trade union movement represented by FPU and KPU on 23 April 2024 in Lublin, Poland in the framework of the Trade Union Summit for Ukraine.
Read the declaration here
ETUC support for the ILO Global Coalition for Social Justice
Adopted at the Executive Committee Meeting of 26-27 March 2024
Europe has a social justice emergency. The ETUC is at the forefront of the fight for a fair deal for workers, their families and their communities throughout Europe.
With only one in five European Works Councils (EWC) being effectively informed and consulted before a transnational decision is made in their company, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) keeps on advocating for a change to the European Works Council Directive (EWCD).
Last week, the European Commission and co-legislators reached a tripartite agreement on the Directive for a European Disability Card, marking a significant step towards enhancing accessibility and inclusivity across European Member States. The text was formally adopted today by COREPER. While this agreement signifies progress, it is imperative to acknowledge the pressing need to address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, particularly concerning their entitlements when exercising their right to work and study abroad.
ETUC Resolution on the European Job Guarantee
Adopted at the Executive Committee Meeting of 6-7 December 2023
The ETUC supports the idea of a European Job Guarantee, which would provide employment opportunities for the long-term unemployed through a state-run programme for job seekers unable to find opportunities in the open labour market. The Job Guarantee should be built on the following main principles:
On October 16, 2023, the European Parliament’s lead committees, the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) and the Committee on International Trade (INTA) adopted, with an overwhelming majority, their position on the proposed on the proposed EU Forced Labour Regulation.
The ETUC joined forces with civil society organisations to urge the EU Council to speed up negotiations to adopt a General Approach.
The letter outlines four core elements that must be included in the Council's position:
Adopted at the Executive Committee Meeting of 27-28 September 2023
In its legislative-initiative resolution[1]adopted by a large majority on 2 February 2023, the European Parliament called on the Commission to revise the European Works Council Directive[2] with the aim of strengthening European Works Councils (EWCs) and their ability to exercise their right to information and consultation.
The ETUC stands with teachers and their European trade union federation, the ETUCE, for the European Week of Teachers. The week of action aims to raise policy solutions in their 10 key demands to make teaching more attractive.
ETUC position on the response to the Social Partner Consultation on CMRD6
Adopted at the Executive Committee of 27-28 September 2023
Introduction
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) welcomes the European Commission’s intention to revise the Directive on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic substances at work (CMRD or Directive 2004/37/EC).
Yolanda Diaz, Second Vice-President of the Government of Spain and Minister of Labour and the Social Economy, addressed the ETUC Executive Committee on 28 September in Madrid.
Please find the text of the address (in Spanish) in the link.
The European Commission recently published its long-awaited BEFIT (Business in Europe: Framework for Income Taxation) proposal for the taxation of large multinational companies.
It follows a long-term effort to introduce group taxation with a formula for allocating taxable profits where value is created (in terms of payroll, number of employees, assets). This was the intended objective of the CCTB and CCCTB proposals, which have now been withdrawn from the European agenda.
CFDT, FO, CFTC UNSA and DGB with the support of the ETUC call for a ban on deregulation for SMES
Deregulation: no - Simplification: under strict conditions
The Franco-German Initiative on the relief package for SMEs is disguised deregulation: SMEs fall in a legal no man’s land; Business cannot be above the law
It is with sorrow that we learnt about the passing away of MEP Véronique Trillet-Lenoir earlier this month. Her remarkable dedication to the health and safety of workers will be remembered.
As a public servant dedicated to achieving health and safety at work, MEP Trillet-Lenoir demonstrated a solid commitment to improving the lives of workers throughout the EU. Her recent involvement in the revision of the Directive on asbestos at work demonstrated her dedication and commitment to making workplaces safer for all.
Dear colleagues,
The ETUC and the ETUCE stand in solidarity with the Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia (LBAS) and the Latvian Trade Union of Education and Science Employees (LIZDA) in their mobilisation, protest and strike to ask the government to take responsibility and fulfil the agreement reached in September 2022 for salary adjustment and balancing of the workload of all education personnel at national level, by adopting amendments to the relevant normative acts.
ETUC Position on the Reform of the economic governance (toward an EU pact for employment and investments)
Position adopted at the Executive Committee Meeting of 30-31 March 2023
The reform of the economic governance of the European Union issued on 9 November 2022 should be assessed as insufficient. The European Commission's (EC) proposal appears inconsistent with both the Versailles Declaration of 11 March 2022 and Porto’s Social Summit Conclusions in 2021. Social and sustainability frameworks, such as the EPSR and SDGs, are disregarded.
The ETUC response to the High-Level Group report on the Future of Social Protection and of the Welfare State
Position adopted at the Executive Committee Meeting of 30-31 March 2023
Summary of the Position
a. The Final Report of the High-Level Group of experts on the future of social protection and the welfare state in the EU was launched on 7 February 2023.