Our and EESC Workers’ Group Priorities for the European Union

Too many people living in European countries do not see and do not believe in the importance of the different nation having to work together. Several citizens think it is just something for the happy few, but they are wrong, the European Union is there for every one, each person living in whatever country of the Union.

The Workers’ Group, which comprises representatives from national trade unions, confederations and sectoral federations, also wants a European Union that delivers for the many, not for the few: that is social, democratic and progressive. They will work towards a EU that protects and enables workers and other citizens. It is also important to provide secure and fair perspectives for all by tackling the challenges of globalisation, digitalisation, and climate change in a coherent way.

Although the European social model is an example for much of the world, there are still too many people suffering hardship or excluded from society because of poverty, discrimination, lack of education, or other disadvantages.

The Workers’ Group’s key priorities have always been full employment, the improvement of the living and working conditions of workers in Europe and the well-being of all EU citizens, as well as of workers and their families in other continents.

It is firmly committed to the enlargement and strengthening of the EU, as an area of prosperity, freedom and democracy, mutual support, solidarity and social cohesion, and aims to ensure that workers can play a real part in European policy-making.

EESC Workers’ Group priorities European Union

We all need a Europe where fundamental social rights are the priority and therefore we should check if every employer keeps to the social economic rules and humanitarian rights. We need fairness and justice which demands enforceable social rights and reduction of inequality. In case those in charge of companies are not taking care of that equality it is up to the state (or European Union) to control it and to make sure everybody is paid according to their responsibilities and the work they are doing. Good working and living conditions should be there for all EU citizens wherever they live and wherever they may find work, for all having a fair taxation, redistribution policies and tax harmonisation.
We need a strong social pillar within a strong social EU, to rebalance market-driven EU integration.

The last two decades we can see that certain trade unions preferred more to work to have the wishes of the bosses fulfilled instead of coming up for the rights of the workers. This has to change again, going back to a system where we can see social dialogue and trade union rights respected and prepared to strengthen collective bargaining.

We also should take care everybody living in the Eu shall have the same quality of WiFi and the ability to adapt to the challenges of digitalisation. Wherever they live they also should be able to count on good mobility or good regular public transport; i.e; the EU, as a single market that prevents social dumping, providing a fair mobility for workers and citizens and providing fair conditions for migration.

The European Union also has to be an economic and monetary unit that works for people, and does not over-demand nature, so that we can live in a sustainable environment, with a carbon free, circular economy. At the same time we do have to have an eye for fair globalisation and fair trade policy.

The Workers’ Group priorities have always been the defence of fundamental freedoms and labour rights. Full employment, the improvement of the living and working conditions of workers in Europe and the well-being of all EU citizens, as well as of workers and their families in other continents, are their objectives.

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Preceding

Involvement and implementation of European Pillar of Social Rights

Populism endangering democracy

An European alliance or a populist alliance

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Additional reading

1. A charter for a truly free world and why we need it
2. A stain of shame for the European Union
3. Prince of Wales warning that the world is in danger of “forgetting the lessons of the past”
4. The twist of politics and expression
5. Three pillars of sustainable development, young people and their rights
6. Entry 2. Unite our voices
7. A last note concerning civil rights

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