Ministers agreed that managing just transitions to the green and digital economy and achieving productivity gains will heavily depend on strong re- and upskilling policies. Especially language and digital skills are among the most important skills for the future. Member states claimed that they are also investing in retraining people for sectors in which new jobs will be created. Ministers also stressed the importance of EU funds to address the social impact of restructuring, such as the European Social Fund+ and the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund.
Ministers also highlighted the importance of workers’ involvement in company decision-making, notably in cases such as major company reorganizations, closures, mergers and acquisitions, downsizing, outsourcing, and relocations. In addition, they also insisted that the pandemic should not serve as an excuse to cut workers' rights on information and consultation, but that inclusive social dialogue is crucial for the economic recovery and successful restructurings.
The ETUC will soon react with a statement on the discussions of the conference last Wednesday.