IndustriAll Europe will continue to push the EU institutions for a legal framework that makes it mandatory for all companies to be transparent about their business models, accountable to society for their actions, and managed in a democratic way that includes informing, consulting and bargaining with trade unions.

150 trade unionists and worker representatives active in multinational companies gathered at the European Parliament to urge policymakers to make responsible business conduct a reality.

IndustriAll Europe stressed the importance of finding a solution to the multiple crises we are currently facing. For this, workers and citizens’ concerns must be heard, and they must be included in the strategic decision-making process.

Climate change is moving at an alarming speed, inflation and energy prices are rising, and the situation of millions of European workers is becoming critical. Extraordinary measures are needed. Companies must contribute, starting by involving trade unions and workers in their decisions.

"The cost of living crisis is happening now. The disruption to our industries, brought about by the energy crisis and the outrageous war in Ukraine, is happening now”, says industriAll Europe General Secretary, Luc Triangle.

Members of the European Parliament are kicking off September with a busy agenda, including discussions on how to secure that workers have a say in their companies’ decisions by improving the European Works Council Directive, and about the need to adopt the first-ever EU law on human rights and environmental due diligence.

If we talk about European Works Councils: the instrument is there, we have a European directive. Make it work!” Argued Luc Triangle

 At one of the most turbulent times in Europe, with social unrests, strikes and massive demonstrations, trade unionists who represent European workers and who defend jobs and industries daily, used the opportunity offered by the ETUC annual EWC conference to signal that the time to act is now!

Binding rules, compelling companies to respect the planet, the people, the workers and the trade unions, must come into play NOW! Concluded Luc Triangle

IndustriAll Europe will continue to push the EU institutions for a legal framework that makes it mandatory for all companies to be transparent about their business models, accountable to society for their actions, and managed in a democratic way that includes informing, consulting and bargaining with trade unions.

European trade union demands for a modern European Works Council Directive EN FR
IndustriAll Europe's demands for mandatory responsible business conduct: EN, DE, FR
IndustriAll Europe’s preliminary analysis of the European Commission’s Proposal for a Directive on corporate sustainability due diligence: EN


Contact: press and communicationsAline Conchon (policy advisor)