On the World Day of Decent Work, trade unions say raising the quality of jobs is crucial to making Europe more competitive as well as improving the lives of working people. 

Celebrated every year on October 7, this year’s World Day for Decent Work comes as the European Commission prepares to launch its Quality Jobs Act. In her State of the Union Speech, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen committed to delivering it before the end of the year.
Research shows that the main causes of Europe’s competitiveness problem – labour shortages, skills shortages and low investment – are closely linked to the quality of jobs: 

  • Labour shortage: Across the EU, the industries finding it hardest to recruit workers paid 9% less on average than those least affected by labour shortages.
  • Skills shortage: Just 39.5% of all workers are able to take part in training – well below the EU target of 60%. Collective bargaining helps, with 66% of agreements including a right to training.
  • Low investment: Investment in research and development is higher in countries where workers’ participation rights are strong and lowest where they are weak. 

That is why the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and affiliated trade unions are marking World Day for Decent Work by calling on European governments to support a strong Act that makes a real difference to workers by delivering binding legislation in the following areas:

  • Artificial intelligence and algorithmic management at work;
  • Occupational safety and health at work, in particular to prevent psychosocial risks, climate-related risks, musculoskeletal disorders and gender-based violence and harassment in the workplace;
  • Protection of workers' rights in subcontracting chains and labour intermediation;
  • Just transition;
  • Enforcement and the role of social partners;
  • Right to disconnect and telework. 

ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch said:

"All work should be decent work, no matter what industry you work in or region you live in. But for too many people in Europe today that is not the reality.
More than 16 million people in Europe today live in poverty despite being in work because of low pay. Most workers don’t receive training. Unregulated AI has robbed workers of their autonomy and is putting jobs at risk. Stress, burnout and other psychosocial risks are harming workers' health, with no specific EU law to prevent them. Opaque subcontracting chains are allowing criminal gangs to withhold wages and avoid social security payments, and workers at the end of these long chains are most exposed to accidents at work.

"Faced with these huge and growing challenges in the world of work, it is clear that the Quality Jobs Act must include strong new laws and not only guidance that will be ignored by bad bosses.

"Improving the quality of jobs would be a win-win. Not only improving the lives of working people but making European companies more competitive by ensuring they have a highly skilled and motivate workforce.

"The Commission spends a lot of time talking about making life easier for companies. It must not forget that the real driver of progress is people being able to live decent lives, with fair pay, secure jobs and time for their families. Europe will never win a race to the bottom on workers' rights. The Commission must deliver a Quality Jobs Act this year with binding laws, not more empty promises."
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Quality Jobs Act