Brussels 13/05/2019
ETUC Resolution on the Need for EU Action to Protect Workers from High Temperatures
Adopted at the Executive Committee Meeting of 18-19 December 2018
Background
When the workplace gets too hot it is more than just an issue of comfort. When the temperature goes too high, as was the case during the summer of 2018, then it can become a real health and safety issue.
ETUC action on access to social protection (Resolution)
Adopted at the Executive Committee of 26 – 27 March 2019
Background
In March 2018 the European Commission issued a proposal for a Council Recommendation on Access to Social Protection for Workers and self-employed.
EU Employment Ministers meeting in the Employment Council yesterday agreed to recommend that all member states should guarantee adequate and effective social protection - such as sickness, unemployment, maternity and paternity benefits and pensions - to all working people including the self-employed. Unfortunately the Ministers did NOT agree to recommend that mandatory social protection should include the self-employed – who now make up more than 15% of the Europe’s workforce - somewhat undermining the principle of equal social protection for all.
EU Employment Ministers today agreed a ‘general approach’ on the Regulation establishing a European Labour Authority (ELA).
This now means the final regulation to set up the Authority will be negotiated in trialogue discussions between national government officials, MEPs and the European Commission.
Trade unions this week succeeded in getting Just Transition accepted as an integral part of the UN framework of climate action.
At the opening of COP24 in Katowice the Polish Presidency presented its ‘Solidarity and Just Transition Silesia Declaration’ with the full support of the European Union.
The declaration
Letter sent to Saulius Skvernelis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania
Subject: Lithuania needs a significant increase of the minimum monthly wage
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) supports the position of the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation (LTUC/LPSK), which is its affiliate, and favours its aim to raise the minimum monthly wage in Lithuania by 50 instead of 20 euros.
Letter sent to Ms Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and to Ms Marianne Thyssen, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility
Dear High Representative Mogherini, dear Commissioner Thyssen,
ETUC Resolution on Strategy for long-term EU greenhouse gas emissions reduction: ETUC views
Adopted at the Executive Committee on 25-26 June 2018
Background