ETUC views on “Skills first approach”

ETUC views on “Skills first approach”

Discussed by ETUC’s “Training, VET and Skills Committee” on 23 October 2024    Background
Document Published on 22.01.2025
Adopted Resolution - On the offensive to combat gender-based violence in the world of work

Adopted Resolution - On the offensive to combat gender-based violence in the world of work

Adopted at the Executive Committee meeting of 24-25 June 2024 Introduction Preventing and combatting gender-based violence in the world of work is a key priority of the ETUC. The recently adopted Directive combatting violence against women and domestic violence fails to deliver meaningful provisions to make the world of work safer for women workers. It also fails to recognise our role as trade unions to end gender-based violence.
Document Published on 02.07.2024
Adopted Resolution: For a ceasefire in Israel and Palestine and for peace in the Middle East

Adopted Resolution: For a ceasefire in Israel and Palestine and for peace in the Middle East

Adopted at the Executive Committee meeting of 24-25 June 2024 In its Action Programme, adopted at its 15th statutory congress, ETUC promotes a peaceful resolution in Palestine, the respect of international law and demands the right of all peoples to self-determination, including that the EU considers the impact on workers when deploying sanctions.
Document Published on 28.06.2024
  • Forced labour - Joint letter to Council of the EU
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    Forced labour - Joint letter to Council of the EU

    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:
    Document Published on 28.11.2023
  • European Week of Teachers – support ETUCE
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    European Week of Teachers – support ETUCE

    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.
    Document Published on 04.10.2023
  • BEFIT: Commission gives green light to tax avoidance until 2031
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    BEFIT: Commission gives green light to tax avoidance until 2031

    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.
    Document Published on 19.09.2023
  • In Memoriam of MEP Trillet-Lenoir
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    In Memoriam of MEP Trillet-Lenoir

    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.  
    Document Published on 09.08.2023
  • ETUC reply to the first phase of the Social Partner Consultation on a possible revision of the European Works Council Directive (2009/38/EC)

    ETUC reply to the first phase of the Social Partner Consultation on a possible revision of the European Works Council Directive (2009/38/EC)

    ETUC reply to the first phase of the Social Partner Consultation on a possible revision of the European Works Council Directive (2009/38/EC) Adopted by written procedure on 22 May 2023 The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) welcomes the European Commission’s intention to address the shortcomings of the European Works Council Directive (Directive 2009/38/EC) through a legally binding initiative.
    Document Published on 26.05.2023
  • One year later the war must end!
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    One year later the war must end!

    Working people always suffer in conflicts and the pursuit of peace is a fundamental trade union value. On 24 February 2022 Russian military forces invaded Ukraine, bringing destruction to peaceful cities and workplaces. It has been a year of shock and pain, devastating news and images, but also a year of bravery and consolidation of Ukrainian people and their unions and a year of solidarity, unity, and support.
    Document Published on 24.02.2023
  • Urgent action needed following the prison sentences for trade union leaders in Belarus - Letter sent to the heads of EU institutions

    Urgent action needed following the prison sentences for trade union leaders in Belarus - Letter sent to the heads of EU institutions

    Dear President of the European Commission Ms von der Leyen, Dear High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission Mr Borrell, Dear President of the European Parliament Ms Metsola, Dear President of the European Council Mr Michel,
    Document Published on 28.12.2022
  • The role and involvement of Social Partners in the European Semester and EU economic governance

    The role and involvement of Social Partners in the European Semester and EU economic governance

    The role and involvement of Social Partners in the European Semester and EU economic governance ETUC document discussed at the Executive Committee Meeting of 27-28 October 2022 The ETUC encourages the European Commission to set up a more structured and binding framework for social partners involvement in the EU Semester having respect of national practices but mandating the national governments to consult social partners according to quality criteria, and report on the effectiveness of their involvement and its results.
    Document Published on 22.11.2022
  • Proposal for a Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDD) - Updated Roadmap to mobilise ahead of the EU trialogue
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    Proposal for a Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDD) - Updated Roadmap to mobilise ahead of the EU trialogue

    Proposal for a Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDD) - Updated Roadmap to mobilise ahead of the EU trialogue Discussed at the Executive Committee meeting of 27-28 October 2022 Summary of key messages Based on the ETUC key demands as adopted by the Executive Committee in December 2019 in the ETUC Position calling for a European Directive on mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence and responsible business conduct[1], the ETUC position ‘Towards an EU law on mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence: indicative roadmap for ETUC actions in 2021-2022’ (December 2021)[2] as well as the ETUC Position ‘ETUC initial analysis of the Commission’s proposal for a Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence and updated roadmap for ETUC actions in 2022-2023” (March 2022)[3], the ETUC Executive Committee is asked to discuss and take note of this (updated) position paper which provides in particular a summary of the main amendments the ETUC intends to put forward to the European Parliament and Member States and other stakeholders as well as an overview and update of the actions undertaken March 2022 and some suggestions for further actions in view of the EU trialogue which is likely to start in Q2 in 2023 at the earliest.
    Document Published on 07.11.2022
  • 2023: European year of skills… for quality or precarious jobs?

    2023: European year of skills… for quality or precarious jobs?

    After the year of rail in 2021 and the year of youth in 2022, the European Commission decided to put the focus on skills for 2023. The challenge of skills is of course of paramount importance for the trade union movement, but we expect results and concrete policies, not declarations of good intentions. Rail workers have seen little to no improvements to their difficult working conditions and young workers are the most affected by consecutive crisis.
    Document Published on 14.10.2022
  • ETUC calls on the EU to be more responsible in developing a sustainable finance framework

    ETUC calls on the EU to be more responsible in developing a sustainable finance framework

    With the publication of final reports including the Report on Minimum Safeguards, the Platform on Sustainable Finance of the EU is shutting down. The ETUC appreciates the committed and open-minded participation of different stakeholders and the constructive and engaged work of the Chairs.
    Document Published on 13.10.2022
  • End the Cost of Living Crisis: Increase Wages, Tax Profits!
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    End the Cost of Living Crisis: Increase Wages, Tax Profits!

    Have a look at the calendar of trade union actions across Europe on the cost-of-living crisis  Photos of the trade union action and of the meeting in the European Parliament in Strasbourg - Video of the meeting with MEPS
    Document Published on 14.09.2022
  • Joint ETUC-PERC-ITUC letter on Ukraine sent to EU leaders
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    Joint ETUC-PERC-ITUC letter on Ukraine sent to EU leaders

    Dear President von der Leyen, Dear President Michel, Dear High Representative Borrell, Dear President Metsola, We welcome the recent decision to grant Ukraine EU candidate status. That is a long-time aspiration of Ukrainian workers who stood in the revolution of dignity and who now sacrifice their lives, health and wellbeing in the fight for democracy and sovereignty against Russian aggression.
    Document Published on 14.07.2022
  • Letter to Deputy Permanent Representatives to the EU on the Women on Boards Directive

    Letter to Deputy Permanent Representatives to the EU on the Women on Boards Directive

    Brussels, 16 June 2022 Dear Ambassador, I am contacting you in relation to the Women on Boards Directive following the meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council on 16 June 2022. The ETUC welcomes the progress made on the Women On Boards Directive, after ten years of non-action and blockage. The adoption of the agreement will hopefully clear the path for many women into key decision-making positions throughout the European Union.  
    Document Published on 16.06.2022