The European Commission must stand up to the attempt by US President Donald Trump to “intimidate” European companies out of complying with European equality law, the General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) said today.
At the Trade Unions Against Discrimination Conference in Berlin, Esther Lynch called on Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to defend Europe’s equality standards and demand that the US Government withdraw its threat to European companies.
“This is the time for the EU to stand up, show global leadership against discrimination and refuse to back down to bullying and instead to vigorously uphold EU anti-discrimination rules,” she said.
“Unlawful”
The conference came weeks after the Trump administration sent letters to European companies asking them to prove that they comply with an executive order banning diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) schemes.
The ETUC has written to and met with the US Mission in Belgium to set out our belief this is an unlawful request that is in violation of the EU Treaties’ commitments to equality and could put in danger collective bargaining agreements which ensure appointments are made on merit and not unfair discrimination.
When the EU’s own data shows discrimination remains rife in the workplace – and even more so in the large companies targeted by the Trump administration, the ETUC believes the Commission cannot afford to allow our equality laws to be undermined.
Speaking in Berlin, ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch said:
“The near witch hunt against Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) programmes coming from the Trump administration is no role model for Europe to follow. Attempts by U.S. officials to intimidate European companies over DEI programs are both politically inappropriate and legally questionable under EU law.
“That’s why it is profoundly concerning that instead of tackling the problem the Commission proposes instead to withdraw the Horizontal Equal Treatment Directive, and this at a time when discrimination on all grounds is on the rise. The EU Barometer reports that in 2023 over 21% of people reported experiencing discrimination in the past year – up from 15% in 2019. LGBTIQ+ people report the highest rate at 67% followed closely by people who belong to an ethnic or skin colour minority.
“Doing nothing represents a betrayal of all those who daily experience discrimination in the EU. This is the time for the EU to stand up, show global leadership against discrimination and refuse to back down to bullying and instead to vigorously uphold EU anti-discrimination rules and present ambitious legislation against discrimination, this year, no later than when the updated equality strategies are presented.
“The Commission should formally request that the U.S. administration withdraw its letter to EU-based companies challenging their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives in Europe and ensure that European businesses and social partners can continue to implement inclusive policies and collective agreements free from foreign political interference.”
Notes
Full speech by Esther Lynch, ETUC General Secretary, to Trade Unions Against Discrimination Conference in Berlin
ETUC letter to US Mission Chargé d'Affaires Scharpf
