ETUC Position on the European Skills Agenda and future skills strategies
Adopted at the Executive Committee Meeting of 28-29 October 2020
Background
On 1 July 2020, the European Commission published a new package of policy initiatives:
Safety and health at work – and prevention of MSDs - more important than ever in times of Covid-19
The health and safety of workers and the protection of jobs and rights have been the priority of the European trade union movement throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. When the restrictions relaxed to achieve a gradual return to economic activity, the ETUC demanded guarantees that the health and safety of workers is fully protected.
Declaration of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC)
Rejection in Switzerland of the so-called “limitation” initiative
Equal rights and efficient wage protection are the best solution for all workers, both European and Swiss
Reply of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) to the Second Phase Consultation of Social Partners under Article 154 TFEU on a possible action addressing the challenges related to fair minimum wages
Executive Summary
The ETUC congratulates its Austrian affiliate ÖGB for reaching a new tripartite agreement on short-time work.
Thanks to the strength of Austria’s trade unions, it was one of the first countries in Europe to secure workers’ incomes during the crisis and it is now leading the way in extending support.
This comes at a time where around 340.000 applications for short-time work have been filed in the country.
This is a living document: the page will be constantly updated
The Covid-19 pandemic is the biggest health, economic and social challenge in the history of the European Union. Numerous European and national measures have been implemented to fight the spread of the Covid-19 virus, also including those appertaining to workplaces and commuting to work.