Life is becoming increasingly difficult for working people. In-work poverty is rising across the EU, with payouts to shareholders rising up to 13 times faster than wages last year. In most member states, low paid workers spent at least a third of their wages on rent.
Europe is facing a quality job and social justice emergency. According to Eurobarometer, rising prices and the cost of living (42%) and the economic situation (41%) were the main topics that motivated European citizens to vote in the last European elections in June this year.
The ETUC has called on the new Commission to raise living standards through directives, investments and action programmes that will deliver quality jobs in every sector and in every region, promote collective bargaining and ensure fair working conditions - on the basis of the ETUC Manifesto for a Fair Deal for Workers.
ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch said:
“The way the European economy works today has allowed a small number of landlords and shareholders to hugely expand their wealth at the expense of the majority of working people.
“The Commission has a lot of work to do to show that they understand the reality of people struggling to stay out of poverty despite working long hours.
“It is promising to see that Executive Vice-President-designate Ribera is a trade union member, as stated in her declaration of interest.
“The EU’s own polling shows the priority of citizens for the new mandate is the cost-of-living but so far we’ve heard little from the Commission about what they will do to raise living standards.
“We need to hear commitments in the forthcoming hearings to directives that will rein in corporate excess and raise the pay and conditions of working people.
“For example, a revision of the public procurement directives that will make taxpayer funding for private companies dependent on respecting workers’ rights to collectively bargained wages.
“The new Commission did not make a good first impression with workers with the decision to scrap the Jobs and Social Rights job title and candidates need to send a clear message in the hearings that they are on the side of working people.”
ENDS
Cover image: Source: EC - Audiovisual Service
