In-work poverty is increasing in Europe and the sense of unrest and insecurity is also soaring among workers in Europe. The European Pillar of Social Rights must rapidly deliver measures and legislative proposals to support quality and stable employment if we want to foster the inclusive and cohesive societies European citizens expect to enjoy
The Social Pillar with its 20 principles focusing on equal opportunities, access to the labour market, fair working conditions and social protection and inclusion make clear that economic freedom and social rights are two sides of the same coin.
The proclamation of the EPSR takes place 6 months after its launch by the European Commission. We must keep the momentum going to ensure that the EPSR rapidly delivers an action plan which tables a comprehensive legislative programme and a set of measures, policies and actions to implement the European Pillar of Social Rights. Member States must also be held accountable for signing. They should, in turn, take steps to turn the 20 policy areas into reality. This national process must be steered and monitored through a European and SOCIAL Semester.
IndustriAll Europe expects, in particular, the following:
- The adoption of a floor of minimum rights and guaranteed access to social protection for all - regardless of their employment status, in order to ensure good and fair working conditions for everyone. Furthermore, new rights need to address new problems experienced by workers, notably in the gig economy;
- A new Directive on Parental, Paternity and Carers’ leave which would improve work-life balance and promote equality between men and women;
- Measures to strengthen collective bargaining, the autonomy of Social Partners and Trade Union rights. Promoting upward wage convergence and? where necessary, ensuring that the minimum wage is a living wage.
- Securing investment to make the rights real: The Multiannual Financial Framework 2020-2026 must provide financial resources to fund the implementation of the EPSR. Furthermore, restrictive budgetary constraints must not delay or prevent the implementation of the Pillar.
Speaking at the Social Summit for Fair Jobs and Growth on access to the labour market, Luc Triangle said: “It is essential to give each individual the tools to build a secure professional path. Training and active support to employment are essential to access the labour market and enhance employability. However, the proliferation of precarious jobs, non-voluntary part-time jobs and new forms of work resulting in insufficient remuneration? social protection and limited job security must be tackled as a matter of urgency. In-work poverty is increasing in Europe and the sense of unrest and insecurity is also soaring among workers in Europe. The European Pillar of Social Rights must rapidly deliver measures and legislative proposals to support quality and stable employment if we want to foster the inclusive and cohesive societies European citizens expect to enjoy”.
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Contact: Isabelle Barthes, isabelle.barthes@industriall-europe.eu, +32 2 226 00 62
On Twitter @industriAll_EU with Hashtags #SocialRights, #SocialSummit1, #SocialPillar, #TellJunckerEU.
See also a full list of the actions proposed by the ETUC to implement the Social Pillar see https://socialrightsfirst.eu/10-blocks/