European workers' rights at lowest point in over a decade, unions warn

Workers' rights in Europe have deteriorated to their worst level in over a decade, according to a new report by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). The findings, released alongside a report from the International Trade Union Confederation, indicate a "worrying decline" in these rights since the index began in 2014.

The ETUC points to a significant rise in violations since the current European Commission took office in 2019. Specifically, 73% of EU member states have violated the right to strike, up from 68% in 2019. Similarly, 56% of member states have infringed on collective bargaining rights, an increase from 50% in 2019.

These concerns arise as the European Commission reviews its proposed legislation on job quality. Unions are demanding that this law be "groundbreaking" and bring about real change for workers. Another key area for unions is the reform of EU public procurement rules. They advocate for the €2 billion spent annually on public contracts to be directed only to companies that respect workers' rights and engage in collective bargaining, a measure supported by 72% of the public.

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The decent job quality law must be a turning point. Escalating attacks on workers' rights to collectively bargain for a fair wage and conditions mean millions more cannot afford a decent life despite working hard in tough jobs.

Esther Lynch, General Secretary of the ETUC, stated that the "shameful situation" facing workers' rights demands decisive action. "The decent job quality law must be a turning point," she said. "Escalating attacks on workers' rights to collectively bargain for a fair wage and conditions mean millions more cannot afford a decent life despite working hard in tough jobs."

Lynch also warned that this trend is an "economic disaster." Lower levels of collective bargaining lead to less worker training in new skills. Consequently, profits are increasingly captured by CEOs and shareholders rather than being reinvested to boost productivity, harming the broader economy.

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Europe