Urgent : Contact in view of discussions on the Recommendation on Strengthening Social Dialogue in the EU
Brussels, 16 May 2023
To: Social Attachés
Dear Social Attachés,
Following our previous message below, we have been closely following developments on the Recommendation on Strengthening Social Dialogue in the EU.
We would thus like to highlight three areas that are of particular concern, namely definitions, derogations, and monitoring.
On definitions, in particular the reference to workers organisations in the definition of collective bargaining, we reiterate our opposition to any reference to workers organisations in this context. Trade unions are the actors empowered to conduct collective bargaining on behalf of workers. Any attempts to replace or circumvent the role of trade unions through other forms of workers organisations is unacceptable. Therefore, the definition must be in line with the definition agreed by the co-legislators in the Directive on Adequate Minimum Wage in the EU – i.e. it must refer to trade unions, and not workers organisations.
For the issue of derogations, it is important that the autonomy of social partners to negotiate and conclude agreements is fully respected. Therefore it is important to avoid any approach within the recommendation that will put limitations on the freedom for social partners to collectively bargain. The ETUC welcomes all efforts to alter the text to safeguard and respect social partner autonomy.
Regarding monitoring, and more generally ensuring a positive impact of the Recommendation, it is important to include clear responsibilities in the Recommendation to maximise its impact. This includes the development of commonly agreed indicators to monitor implementation, including through the improvement of data collection, as well as an appropriate reporting period such as after 4 years rather than 6 years. The watering down of responsibilities throughout the text should be avoided and we therefore urge for clear and unambiguous language, such as ensuring social partner involvement in a meaningful and timely manner in the design and implementation of policies.
Yours sincerely,
Claes-Mikael Ståhl
ETUC Deputy General Secretary
Brussels, 26 April 2023
To: Social Attachés
Dear Social Attachés,
In view of the meeting today of the Social Questions Working Party and the discussion on the Recommendation on Strengthening Social Dialogue in the EU, we would like to stress an issue of fundamental importance for the ETUC.
The Recommendation on Strengthening Social Dialogue in the EU is an important opportunity to strengthen social dialogue and collective bargaining at national level. In order to ensure the Recommendation has a positive impact it is imperative that the role and prerogative of trade unions to bargain collectively on behalf of workers is not undermined. The definition of collective bargaining in the Recommendation must be in line with the definition agreed by the co-legislators in the Directive on Adequate Minimum Wage in the EU – i.e. it must refer to trade unions, and not workers organisations.
The ETUC’s position is clear that trade unions are the actors empowered to conduct collective bargaining on behalf of workers. Any attempts to replace or circumvent the role of trade unions through other forms of workers organisations is unacceptable. This is fully in line with EU, Council of Europe, and ILO human rights instruments. Recognising other workers organisations for collective bargaining in the Recommendation would undermine the fundamental structures of collective bargaining and social dialogue.
The ETUC has been clear that the wording of the Directive on Adequate Minimum Wage in the EU must be respected, and this means that trade unions are recognised as the actor empowered to represent workers in collective bargaining. Any backwards step on this issue would be unacceptable.
Your Sincerely,
Claes-Mikael Ståhl
ETUC Deputy General Secretary