The Agreement aimed to collaboratively develop a sector-specific response to the challenges posed by the transformation of the gas industry during Europe’s transition towards net-zero. Eurogas’ regrettable decision to reject the agreement denies gas workers a Just Transition and raises questions on their commitment to a green and fair transition. The rejection reinforces the need for EU regulatory action to ensure a framework for a fair transformation that protects workers. 

Isabelle Barthés, Deputy General Secretary of industriAll Europe, said: “Companies are already restructuring and jobs are being lost. This Agreement was necessary to provide workers with measures that would protect them during the transition. Now all hope of protection is gone.

“Gas sector workers and worker representatives who took part in the negotiations that lasted for nine months are understandably angry with this outcome and expect a genuine explanation as to why the employers are unwilling to commit. 

“Our members have always been, and continue to be, committed to social dialogue, but in order for this to work, we also need employers to show up and engage in good faith.”

Jan Willem Goudriaan, General Secretary of EPSU, said: “Workers in the gas sector face a great deal of uncertainty given the immense transformation of the sector that is needed. This negotiation process, funded by public money, provided an opportunity for employers and unions to sit down together and devise measures that would protect workers throughout the process. Now, a year later, with transformation of the gas sector underway, workers are left with more uncertainty than ever and no real commitment from employers to a fair transition.”

Eurogas' decision is part of a worrying trend of EU employers’ associations delaying regulations by engaging in negotiations only to walk away without making any binding commitments. The pattern underscores the need for the European Commission to take regulatory action to provide a comprehensive framework that ensures a Just Transition for workers. 

Despite this setback, industriAll Europe and EPSU remain fully committed to social dialogue. A Just Transition, underpinned by robust dialogue, is essential for the success of both the green and digital transitions.

However, social dialogue must yield tangible outcomes that directly impact workers and companies alike. Employers need to demonstrate genuine engagement in this process and commit to concrete actions on the ground.

Trade unions are calling on Eurogas to clarify its mandate and confirm whether it has the capacity to engage in meaningful dialogue that has a direct impact on workers. 

EPSU and industriAll Europe welcome continued dialogue and look forward to meeting at the next Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee meeting to explore possible ways to move forward.

For more information on the proposed agreement click here

For the article published by the Financial Times click here