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.
Economic and social policies to date have focused excessively on fiscal discipline rather than on public investment in health and care, this crisis clearly showing that this was to the detriment of the people in general. This fiscal discipline focused on austerity, cuts and privatisation; as a result, aging was seen as a cost on the country’s budget and financing of the health sector dwindled. ETUC has been denouncing the weakness of the health care systems in Europe for many years.
Migrant workers in Europe are on the frontline of the response to the COVID-19 crisis. Now more than ever, the crucial contribution of migrant workers to support European economies, public services and fill labour shortages is crystal clear. These workers are to be found in those sectors most hit by the crisis agriculture, domestic and care work, public healthcare at all levels, food industry, construction, tourism, transport) putting their lives at risk for the sake of all of us. Their work is essential; however, they are the forgotten ones.
On 30 March 2020 the European Commission published Guidelines on the exercise of the free movement of workers in view of the COVID-19 outbreak and the border restrictions that have been put in place by Member States. The aim of these Guidelines is to ensure that mobile workers, such as frontier, posted and seasonal workers within the EU, will be able to reach their workplace also in cross-border situations between Member States, in particular workers in critical occupations.
ETUC Declaration on the COVID-19 Outbreak
In addition to the text below agreed by the ETUC Executive Committee, the ETUC has cancelled all its meetings until April 19 that involve its staff or members travelling abroad, and instructed its staff not to travel abroad for other meetings, as part of a package of measures to deal with Covid-19.
Adopted at the Executive Committee of the 9-10 March 2020
Brussels, 4th November 2019
To Executive Committee
To TUSLOs
For information to ETUC Member Organisations
Dear Colleagues,
Following the last Executive Committee meeting on 22-23 October, we would like to share with you the following adopted documents (Item 10 & 11):
ETUC reply to the First Phase Consultation of Social Partners under Article 154 TFEU on a possible action addressing the challenges related to fair minimum wages
On Tuesday 11 February, the European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR), the main monitoring body of the Council of Europe European Social Charter, decided - on a complaint submitted by Italian union CGIL against the Italian government (No. 158/2017) - that the right to protection in cases of termination of employment was violated by Italian law.
Brussels, 4 February 2020
To Executive Committee
For information to ETUC Member Organisations
Dear colleagues,
Please see attached the Resolution "A Trade Union input for an Action Plan to Implement the European Pillar of Social Rights", adopted at the EXCO on 22-23 October and the ANNEX adopted at the EXCO on 17-18 December 2019.
Best regards,
Liina Carr
Confederal Secretary
Brussels, 3 February 2020
ETUC resolution on avenues of work for the ETUC in migration and asylum fields (2019-2023)
Adopted at the Executive Committee Meeting of 17-18 December 2019
Defining the scope of the resolution
