About: social rights

Protecting the seasonal workers in Europe

If we have fresh strawberries on our table these days, if we can enjoy delicious asparagus from our fields, it is thanks to the people who work outside. Quite often, they are seasonal workers, and we have to protect them, write Dan Nica and Jens Geier.

Commission continues with EU minimum wage push, using coronavirus momentum

The European Commission insists that minimum wages ensuring workers across the EU earn a decent living are crucial to the coronavirus recovery and on Wednesday (3 June) launched a new round of consultations with social partners.

Worker participation in management can be stabilising factor, expert argues

Worker participation in the management can be a stabilisation factor in times of crisis, according to a recent study conducted by the Institute for Codetermination and Corporate Governance. EURACTIV has interviewed the co-author and political adviser on the matter, Sebastian Campagna. 

Make the digital transition fair as well, experts warn

The world of work is changing dramatically as a consequence of the digital transformation, while the social protection systems are often not added to the new realities of the labour market, experts warned during an event hosted by EURACTIV.

Social security reform postponed until next European Parliament

Deep divisions among MEPs made it clear on Thursday (19 April) that the social security coordination directive, aimed at enforcing the rights of mobile workers, would be postponed for the next European Parliament, after May's EU elections.

Let’s make posted workers feel really secure

Marek Benio, who will chair the 6th European Labour Mobility Congress in Krakow on 14-15 March, offers his commentary regarding the European Parliament's proposals for the revision of regulations affecting social security schemes for posted workers.

How to protect workers’ rights in a volatile labour market?

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In 2017, the European Commission proclaimed the European Pillar of Social Rights, aimed to ensure fair working conditions, social protection and inclusion. How can the the Pillar protect workers’ rights? How can trade unions address new challenges related to working conditions while protecting traditional workers?

Longevity and the limits of the welfare state in Europe

In November 2017, the EU proclaimed the European Pillar of Social Rights. However, there are still many shortcomings within the current welfare state and unless policies reflect values then plummeting fertility rates or fading solidarity between young and old will persist, writes Anna Záborská.

A turnaround for social Europe?

Criticised for its lack of action on the social dialogue, the European Commission could reverse the trend this year with a “Fairness Pack” in mid-March that will include the creation of a European Labour Authority. EURACTIV.fr reports.

‘Let’s do our work’ on social policy, Juncker tells member states

Europe’s credibility hinges on national leaders agreeing social legislation that applies across the bloc, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said on Friday (17 November) at a summit with leaders from EU countries in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The European Pillar of Social Rights: What’s next for social protection and inclusion ?

In April, the European Commission adopted the European Pillar of Social Rights to guide a renewed process towards better working and living conditions in Europe. After the promised ‘Triple A’ Social Europe by President Juncker in 2014, the expectations were high.

Europe’s first ‘Intern Day’ highlights unfair work conditions

Internships replacing jobs are an "increasing problem" in Europe, civil society organisations protested on the first-ever European Interns Day on Friday (18 July), explaining that up to 60% of interns in Europe are still unpaid.

Brussels drops plans for EU law limiting right to strike

The European Commission has withdrawn proposed legislation limiting workers’ right to strike, amid a furore from trade unions and EU lawmakers in Parliament who waived a "yellow card" to Brussels for stepping over national sovereignty.

New rights for posted workers ‘problematic’ for business

A European Commission proposal to enforce the social rights of workers in the construction sector when they are temporarily posted abroad is creating jitters in the business community. France, for its part, said it would veto a related proposal on trade union's right to strike if the text was not strengthened further.

Parliament backs single permit for foreign workers

Workers from outside the European Union will be able to apply more easily to live and work in member states following European Parliament’s approval yesterday (13 December) of a single permit directive.