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.
Brussels, 14 July 2020
To Executive Committee
For information to ETUC Member Organisations
Dear Colleagues,
Please find enclosed the Discussion Paper on the European Commission’s Democracy Action Plan which was approved at the virtual Executive Committee Meeting that took place on the 2nd and 3rd of July 2020.
Brussels, 6 July 2020
ETUC position on the New Industrial Strategy for Europe
Adopted at the ETUC Executive Committee of 2 July 2020
Summary of key messages
Adopted at the Executive Committee Meeting of 9 June 2020
The social impact of the COVID-19 crisis makes it necessary to substantially amend the Commission proposal on revised Employment Guidelines
Measures fall short of protecting posted workers in the outbreak of COVID-19
Posted workers in the EU face particular challenges in view of the COVID-19 outbreak and the measures imposed, not only in terms of border restrictions on the free movement of workers and services, but also in terms of emergency measures introduced to mitigate and protect workers and businesses from negative consequences of the crisis. Posted workers are at particular risk of being left behind.
On 13 May 2020, the European Commission issued a Communication on a phased and coordinated approach for restoring freedom of movement and lifting internal border controls. This guidance document is complemented by specific Guidelines on the progressive restoration of transport services and connectivity.