The European Week of Mobilisation for Democracy at Work

Democracy at work is essential

An inclusive recovery from the economic and social consequences of the pandemic and just transitions can only be successfully achieved in the full respect of workers’ rights. It must be guaranteed that all workers have a say and are effectively involved in the day-to-day life of their workplace. And yet, too often managements do not comply with their legal obligations to inform and consult workers’ representatives in time about plans that impact jobs, income and working conditions. In parallel, public authorities do not impose effective and dissuasive sanctions.

At one of the most critical times for the EU, companies, politicians, and legislators need to take their responsibility. The ETUC and the ETUFs have called on the European Commission to act (see letters) and recently started a petition to give a voice to workers all over Europe. The Week of Mobilisation for Democracy at Work features more actions to maintain pressure on the European institutions and to make our voice heard.

Our demands

We call on the European and national institutions to act now to ensure that workers’ rights are respected in restructuring processes across all workplaces! We call on the European institutions to start strengthening the flawed and limited European legal framework to guarantee more democracy at work.

Our actions

During the week of mobilisation, we will be active on Social Media. Keep an eye on our Twitter account and share the messages. Download the banners.

MONDAY, 23 NOVMEBER

We will kick off  the week by sending a letter to European and national institutions. We will demand concrete and rapid actions to guarantee the effective enforcement and compliance of workers’ rights to be informed, consulted and to participate in decision-making before any decision is adopted. We also call for their commitment to start the revision of the EWC Directive and for a new horizontal framework on information, consultation, and board-level participation of workers to strengthen worker’s rights.

Join our call for action and send this letter (FR) to the labour minister of your country and use this occasion to hand over the petition More Democracy at Work is a must! to your respective labour minister.

Watch out for the messages on our Twitter account. Share & add your own message using the hashtag #moredemocracyatwork.

TUESDAY, 24 NOVEMBER

The ETUFs and national affiliates are invited to  engage in diverse actions of their choice, from retweeting to debating on related issues.

WEDNESDAY, 25 NOVEMBER (09.00H – 12.30H)

Workshop on Litigation for EWC members

Access to justice is a fundamental right. At the EWC Conference, a large range of EWCs members and affiliates have identified litigation as a source of great support however presenting difficulties in  defending their rights. During the workshop legal professionals will present and discuss litigation expertise on the basis their practices and show examples of how to make a litigation strategy successful. The meeting languages are English, French, German, Spanish and Italian.

Register here

See the agenda

THURSDAY, 26 NOVEMBER (11.00H TO 12.30H)

Webinar on More Democracy at Work with Gabriele Bischoff Member of the European Parliament

The EP is a key player in the democratic debate to strengthen democracy at work in particular in the near future. During the webinar, evidence and specific cases will be presented to show the need for actions at EU level on democracy at work. We will discuss with the MEPs and other participants the necessary initiatives to ensure that workers’ rights are respected in restructuring processes and to strengthen European legal framework on democracy at work and restructuring. Eventually, the petition More Democracy at Work is a must! will be handed over to MEPs. The meeting languages are English, French and German.

Register here

See the agenda

FRIDAY, 27 NOVEMBER

We will wrap up by summarizing the actions of the mobilisation week. Keep an eye on our website and the social media channels.

The ETUF and national affiliates are invited to engage in diverse actions of their choice, from retweeting to debating on related issues.