CESI on the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights
2020-11-30 12:00
CESI has published the priorities of independent trade unions in Europe for a more effective implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights at the level of the EU and the Member States, as part of a consultation on the same topic by the European Commission, which intends to public an action plan in early 2021.
According to CESI, the European Commission and further EU institutions, with the support of all social partners, trade unions and civil society organisations, should deliver their share to implement the objectives of the European Pillar of Social Rights by focusing on three areas of action:
1. Communication: While the European Pillar of Social Rights was thought to be a “compass” for a renewed process of convergence towards better working and living conditions across Europe, it has so far, not been a much-known among governments in policy-making or social partners in collective negotiations. A more effective communication is needed to actually make government representatives and civil and public services as well as trade unions, employers organisations and more aware of the European Pillar of Social Rights and its objectives – as a first step to it becoming a form of relevant compass which is also adhered to.
2. EU policy making: While the Single market is largely integrated in economic and financial affairs and free movement of capital, persons, goods and services, it has opened doors to an exploitation of workers, social dumping, and social inequalities. Making full use of its competences under the Treaties, the EU should close existing legal loopholes and create binding standards that close these doors in both the private and public sector, but without prejudice to the prerogative of the Member States to organise and finance their civil service.
3. National policy making: In the absence of far-reaching EU competences in the area of employment and social affairs, the European Commission should apply creative tools to encourage and induce Member States to develop and implement measures and social policies guided by the European Pillar of Social Rights.
CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger said: “It is already almost 6 years ago that Jean-Claude Juncker put forward the idea of a European Pillar of Social Rights and we are still talking about implementation plans because we are not satisfied with the way and extent that employment and social policies progress. CESI has been an adament supporter of the European Pillar of Social Rights ever since, and we hope that this action plan will live up to expectations and really allow to move forward to implement the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights systematically across the Europe. CESI stands ready to take ownership and support policy makers and authorities in this process, based on the priorities that we have published today.”
The full position of CESI is available here.
