About: workers' rights

Criticism of Germany’s new laws in the meat and food industry

Two new laws are to put an end to exploitation and poor working conditions in the German meat industry. But critics are concerned that these laws don't go far enough. EURACTIV Germany reports.

German labour minister announces stricter standards in the meat industry

The German meat industry has been under fire for years over its low working standards and workers rights. The coronavirus clusters in slaughterhouses have now offered the government an opportunity to intervene. EURACTIV Germany reports.

Working conditions in meat processing plants make them hotbed for COVID-19

Another major COVID-19 outbreak in the largest meat processing facility in Europe has prompted stakeholders to urge the EU Commission to take swift measures to protect workers  in the sector and stem the spread of the virus.

The Brief, powered by IndustriAll Europe – The world of work after the COVID-19 battle 

As countries are relaxing lockdown measures and people are slowly returning to work, questions arise over what the post-COVID-19 world of work will look like, but also whether companies are prepared and able to ensure the safety of their workers...

EU Commission urged to protect agri-food workers

Mounting concerns for the health of workers in the agri-food sector have prompted stakeholders to call for stronger measures for their protection.

German trade unionist: Stronger worker participation helps in times of crisis

The coronavirus pandemic has caused a rapid transformation of the workplace at a time when digitalisation and the Green Deal were beginning to restructure entire industries. In an interview with EURACTIV, trade unionist Karin Erhard describes how workers should go forward in these uncertain times and how a strong system of codetermination can help chart the way.

Protecting workers: What role for agile solutions?

Over the last decades, the world of work has changed dramatically. While the traditional career model is fading, self-employment and ‘gig’ working is becoming more commonplace and mobility across industries and geographies is increasing.

Uber, Cabify drivers strike in Madrid to protest against planned law changes

Thousands of drivers for ride-hailing services Uber and Cabify, waving flags and chanting slogans such as “we want to work”, marched down Madrid’s central boulevard on Thursday ahead of plans by the government to tighten regulation.

Greece: Lenders take unacceptable hard line on worker rights

In the current negotiations over a new loan package for Greece, collective bargaining and worker rights have been in the spotlight. But expert opinion in favour of these tools is being ignored by Greece’s lenders, warn Jan Willem Goudriaan and Richard Pond.

European Works Councils are vital to protect fundamental and democratic rights

European Works Councils protect fundamental and democratic rights, but too many employees are still not protected by them. If Europe is serious about becoming a truly social Europe, this has to change, writes Stan De Spiegelaere.

French Socialists demand deeper debate on CETA

Two weeks before the crucial vote on the EU’s free trade deal with Canada (CETA), French Socialist MEPs have called on their European Parliament colleagues to hold a deep debate on the subject. EURACTIV France reports.

Time for European business to listen to its workers

Workplace democracy makes firms more productive, and therefore more likely to contribute to growth in Europe. The EU should make worker participation in company governance a priority, writes Peter Scherrer.

An AAA-rated society for workers’ rights

This European Commission promised progress on social issues, but so far none has materialised. Europe’s workers need job security, well-defined right and a fair standard of living, writes Oliver Roethig.

Udo Bullmann: It is ‘correct’ to give regions say on CETA deal

SPD MEP Udo Bullmann does not think it is a mistake to make agreements like the teetering CETA deal dependent on the approval of regions like Wallonia. EURACTIV's partner Der Tagesspiegel reports.

Let’s raise the bar for European Works Councils

EU rules on Works Councils need to push for higher standards and promote workers’ rights, not simply reflect the status quo, writes Stan De Spiegelaere.

Bernd Lange: The US needs to improve workers’ rights

EXCLUSIVE / Labour rights in the US must be improved before any potential TTIP deal is signed and Brexit’s economic impact is of concern, according to the chairman of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade, Bernd Lange.

MEPs, make Juncker keep his promises

Jean-Claude Juncker was elected European Commission president on the basis of a social, even hopeful ten-point plan for Europe. Now, MEPs bear the responsibility to hold him into account on these promises, writes Bernadette Ségol.

Ministers reject Parliament’s wishes on maternity leave

Meeting in Brussels yesterday (6 December), EU social affairs ministers refused to accept the demands of the European Parliament regarding minimum standards of maternity leave. The Council is expected to agree its own position sometime next year.

Commission presents plan to close skills gap

Member states must increase efforts to help workers learn the skills needed to do the jobs that will be created in growth sectors in the coming years, according to the European Commission, which yesterday (23 November) adopted its 'Agenda for New Skills and Jobs'.

Social partners hail end of agency worker discrimination

The European Parliament yesterday (22 October) approved legislation granting temporary workers equal rights in terms of working hours, salary and holidays, ending a six-year legislative battle. Businesses and trade unions alike welcomed the deal, which they said struck the right balance between social and economic needs.

EU welcomes compromise on European Works Council

EU Employment Commissioner Vladimir Špídla  yesterday (4 September) welcomed the deal struck between social partners' on a revision of the European Works Council (EWC) Directive after months of deadlock and Commission threats to go it alone if no amicable solution was reached.

Parliament backs calls for EU anti-discrimination law

The European Parliament has reminded Commission President José Manuel Barroso of his commitment to put forward a directive outlawing discrimination on a whole range of grounds, including disability, age, religion or belief and sexual orientation, as Brussels finalises preparations for a social policy package to be presented in June. 

Commission pushing for ‘New Social Agenda’

The Commission yesterday revealed plans to update the current social agenda and better integrate it into the EU's overall policy framework. The main focus lies in addressing cross-border health care, improving workers' rights and promoting better education systems.