### b. whereas different definitions of traineeships exist across union; whereas a traineeship can be understood to be a limited period of work practice which is paid and which includes a learning and training component and which a person undertakes in order to gain practical and professional experience with a view to improving that person’s employability and facilitating transition to stable employment7 ; ### b. whereas different definitions of traineeships exist across union; whereas a traineeship can be understood to be a limited period of work practice with different types of remuneration and which includes a learning and training component and which a person undertakes in order to gain practical and professional experience with a view to improving that person’s employability and facilitating transition to stable employment7 ;


### e. whereas studies have established links between the quality of traineeships and employment outcomes8 ; ### e. whereas studies have established links between the quality of traineeships and employment outcomes ,8 with remuneration being the key quality criteria to what establishes a high quality traineeship;


### h. whereas a person may experience discrimination differently based on a variety of factors , including , but not limited to , that person’s gender , race , colour or ethnic origin , genetic features , language , religion or belief , class or social origin , sexual orientation , physical or mental ability , or age; whereas it is crucial tofocus on addressing and overcoming all discrimination in traineeships and ensuring the accessibility of traineeships to persons and groups of persons who are furthest away from the labour market; ### h. whereas a person may experience discrimination differently based on a variety of factors , including , but not limited to , that person’s gender , race , colour or ethnic origin , nationality , genetic features , language , religion or belief , class or socio-economic origin , sexual orientation , physical or mental ability , or age; whereas it is crucial to focus on addressing and overcoming all discrimination in traineeships and ensuring the accessibility of traineeships to persons and groups of persons who are furthest away from the labour market; whereas young people living in weaker financial circumstances , including people living in single-parent households , people with disabilities , migrants , people with lower education levels , young people not living with their parents and those from low work-intensity households , are less likely to have access to the financial resources required to undertake unpaid or low-paying internships;


### j. whereas about half of all 15 to 34-year olds in the union have gained work experience in at least one traineeship; whereas this means that approximately four million persons take part in at least one traineeship per year in the union10 ; ### j. whereas about half of all 15 to 34-year olds in the union have gained work experience in at least one traineeship; whereas the majority of young people report having worked two unpaid internships before getting stable employment; whereas this means that approximately four million persons take part in at least one traineeship per year in the union10 ;


### 1. highlights that traineeships are primarily a learning experience; calls on the commission and the member states to facilitate and improve access for young people to high-quality , paid and inclusive traineeships; ### 1. highlights that traineeships are primarily a learning experience that should not replace entry-level jobs; calls on the commission and the member states to facilitate and improve access for young people to high-quality , paid , accessible and inclusive traineeships , particularly to those coming from vulnerable backgrounds to achieve union’s objective of social cohesion and inclusion;


### 2. considers that to facilitate access to regular employment , traineeships should offer a strong training or learning content , safeguard adequate working conditions such as a fair payment , fixed working hours , health and social coverage , and should in no case be a substitute for regular jobs or a precondition for a job placement; ### 2. considers that to facilitate access to regular employment , traineeships should offer a strong training or learning content , safeguard adequate working conditions such as a fair payment , fixed working hours , health and social coverage , and should in no case be a substitute for regular jobs or a precondition for a job placement; insists that adequate working conditions and remuneration should be guaranteed to all trainees , regardless of the fact that they are undertaken as part of an educational or training programme ("curricular traineeships").


### 2. considers that to facilitate access to regular employment , traineeships should offer a strong training or learning content , safeguard adequate working conditions such as a fair payment , fixed working hours , health and social coverage , and should in no case be a substitute for regular jobs or a precondition for a job placement; ### 2. considers that to facilitate access to regular employment , traineeships should offer a strong training or learning content , safeguard adequate working conditions such as a fair payment , or at least compensation for the costs related to the training , fixed working hours , health and social coverage , appropriate mentoring , and should in no case be a substitute for regular jobs or a precondition for a job placement;


### 3. highlights the need to tackle skills mismatches , while emphasising the potential added value in this regard for both employers and trainees; in this regard , highlights the need to offer traineeships in areas linked to skills needs of labour markets and future oriented sectors to overcome labour shortages in view of both the green and the digital transition; ### 3. highlights the need to tackle skills mismatches , while emphasising the potential added value in this regard for both employers and trainees; in this regard , highlights the need to offer traineeships as part of active labour market policies in areas linked to skills needs and labour shortages and future oriented sectors to overcome labour shortages in view of both the green and the digital transition;


### 3. insists that all traineeships should promote inclusiveness , especially with regard to persons with fewer opportunities; insists that it is crucial to ensure participation in traineeships for persons with disabilities by taking appropriate measures to increase awareness and accessibility; ### 3. insists that all traineeships should promote inclusiveness , especially with regard to persons with fewer opportunities , including people with a migrant background; insists that it is crucial to ensure participation in traineeships for persons with disabilities by taking appropriate measures to increase awareness and accessibility; highlights the need to promote accessibility for youth from vulnerable backgrounds;


### 3. insists that all traineeships should promote inclusiveness , especially with regard to persons with fewer opportunities; insists that it is crucial to ensure participation in traineeships for persons with disabilities by taking appropriate measures to increase awareness and accessibility; ### 3. insists that all traineeships should promote inclusiveness , especially with regard to persons with fewer opportunities , especially newcomers , such as migrants and refugees , and hard-to-reach population groups; insists that it is crucial to ensure participation in traineeships for persons with disabilities by taking appropriate measures to increase awareness and accessibility;


### 4. recalls that high-quality traineeships can play a valuable contribution in achieving the union social targets by 2030 , as having at least 60 % of all adults participating in training every year and having at least 78 % of people aged 20 to 64 who should be in employment; ### 4. recalls that high-quality traineeships can play a valuable contribution in achieving the union social targets by 2030 , of having at least 60 % of all adults participating in training every year and having at least 78 % of people aged 20 to 64 who should be in employment , reducing the neets rate to 9% through quality opportunities in accordance with the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and in particular with sdgs 1 , 4 , 8 , and10;


### 4. states that some employers tend to misuse traineeships; calls on the commission to propose monitoring mechanisms at union level , especially in the framework of erasmus+ programmes , and facilitate greater provision of cross-border traineeship opportunities in order to increase the intra-union mobility of young people; ### 4. states that some employers tend to misuse traineeships; invites the commission to propose adequate guidelines and monitoring mechanisms at union level , especially in the framework of erasmus+ programmes; calls on the member states and the commission to work to ensure quality mobility experiences based on the principles of the european quality charter for mobility , which makes clear that the quality of information , preparation , support and recognition of experience and qualifications , as well as clear learning plans and learning outcomes drawn up in advance , have a demonstrable impact on the benefits of mobility;


### 4. states that some employers tend to misuse traineeships; calls on the commission to propose monitoring mechanisms at union level , especially in the framework of erasmus+ programmes , and facilitate greater provision of cross-border traineeship opportunities in order to increase the intra-union mobility of young people; ### 4. states that there is a risk of some misuse of traineeships by some employers which requires action on appropriate level; calls on the commission to propose monitoring mechanisms at union level , especially in the framework of erasmus+ programmes , and facilitate greater provision of cross-border traineeship opportunities in order to increase the intra-union mobility of young people;


### 5. stresses the importance of all key players’ involvement (the social partners , civil society organisations and , in particular , youth organisations) in formulating guidelines and monitoring and evaluating implementation of the framework. ### 5. stresses the importance of all key players’ involvement (the social partners , civil society organisations and , in particular , youth organisations) in formulating guidelines and monitoring and evaluating implementation of traineeship practices in member states.


### 5. stresses the importance of all key players’ involvement (the social partners , civil society organisations and , in particular , youth organisations) in formulating guidelines and monitoring and evaluating implementation of the framework. ### 5. stresses the importance of all key players’ involvement (the social partners , civil society organisations , educational institutions and , in particular , youth organisations) in formulating guidelines and monitoring and evaluating implementation of the framework.


### - access to adequate mentorship and to the guidance of trained mentors; ### - established clear learning objectives and access to adequate mentorship and to the guidance of trained mentors;


### 8. calls on the commission to propose a directive to ensure adequate remuneration for traineeships in order to avoid exploitative practices; ### 8. calls on the commission to propose a directive to ensure adequate remuneration for traineeships in the open labour market in order to avoid exploitative practices;


### 8. calls on the commission to propose a directive to ensure adequate remuneration for traineeships in order to avoid exploitative practices; ### 8. calls on the member states to ensure adequate remuneration for traineeships in accordance with national law or practices;


### 9. reiterates the central role that the european social fund plus (esf+) and the youth guarantee can play in contributing to an increase in the number of high-quality traineeships; urges member states , with the support of the commission , to use all available resources in this area; ### 9. reiterates the central role that the european social fund plus (esf+) , the recovery and resilience facility and its associated scoreboard linking funding to policies for the next generation , and the youth guarantee can play in contributing to an increase in the number of high-quality traineeships; urges member states , with the support of the commission , to use all available resources in this area;


### 10. calls on the member states to better utilise the esf+ to help progression within education and training and transition to work , by supporting lifelong learning and employability with a view to facilitating full participation in society for all , and contributing to competitiveness14 ; ### 10. calls on the member states to better utilise the esf+ to help progression within education and training and transition to work , by supporting lifelong learning and employability with a view to facilitating full participation in society for all , particularly those coming from a vulnerable background in order to ensure their access to equal opportunities and contributing to competitiveness14 ;


### 11. calls on the commission to raise awareness at national , regional and local level of available union funds to ensure the accessibility by all to high-quality traineeships; ### 11. calls on the commission to raise awareness at national , regional and local level of available union funds to ensure the accessibility by all to high-quality traineeships , particularly those coming from a vulnerable background in order to ensure their access to equal opportunities;


### 13. welcomes the commission proposal to make 2023 the european year of skills; calls on the commission to place particular attention on quality and paid traineeships during the european year of skills; ### 13. welcomes the commission proposal to make 2023 the european year of skills; calls on the commission to place particular attention on guaranteeing quality and paid traineeships , particularly in the open labour market , during the european year of skills as a legacy both of the european year of youth and in line with the conference on the future of europe outcome document;


### 17. calls for more cooperation between all stakeholders involved , in particular education and vocational training providers , businesses , national , regional and local governments and involvement of social partners; suggests the creation of a european alliance for traineeships , similar to the european alliance for apprenticeships , uniting governments and key stakeholders with the aim of strengthening the quality and offer of traineeships across the union , while promoting the mobility of trainees; ### 17. calls for more cooperation between all stakeholders involved , in particular education and vocational training providers , businesses , national , regional and local governments and involvement of social partners; suggests the creation of a european alliance for traineeships , similar to the european alliance for apprenticeships , uniting governments and key stakeholders with the aim of strengthening the quality and offer of traineeships across the union , while promoting the mobility of trainees , notably by guaranteeing access to sufficient financial resources , including language courses;


### 20. highlights that further data is needed in particular on: barriers that trainees face in obtaining a high-quality traineeship and ways of overcoming them; the effects of the covid-19 pandemic on trainees; the challenges frequently faced when undertaking a traineeship and ways in which to overcome them; possible obstacles faced by employers when offering high-quality traineeships and ways in which to overcome them; the advantages and disadvantages of digital traineeships; the experiences of trainees with disabilities; obstacles to cross-border traineeships and ways in which to overcome them; ### 20. highlights that further data is needed in particular on: statistics of unpaid internships and in which sectors the issue is more predominant; barriers that trainees face in obtaining a high-quality traineeship and ways of overcoming them; the effects of the covid-19 pandemic on trainees; the challenges frequently faced when undertaking a traineeship and ways in which to overcome them; possible obstacles faced by employers when offering high-quality traineeships and ways in which to overcome them; the advantages and disadvantages of digital traineeships; the experiences of trainees with disabilities , as well as those coming from a vulnerable background; obstacles to cross-border traineeships and ways in which to overcome them;


### 21. recalls that any discrimination based on grounds such as sex , race , colour , ethnic or social origin , genetic features , language , religion or belief , political or any other opinion , membership of a national minority , property , birth , disability , age or sexual orientation must be prohibited; calls on the member states to put in place specific measures to ensure this; ### 21. recalls that any discrimination based on grounds such as sex , race , colour , nationality , ethnic or social and economic origin , genetic features , language , religion or belief , political or any other opinion , membership of a national minority , property , birth , disability , age or sexual orientation must be prohibited; calls on the member states to put in place specific measures to ensure this;


### 26. requests that the commission submit on the basis of article 153(2)(b) tfeu in conjunction with article 153(1)(b) tfeu , a proposal for a framework directive setting out minimum requirements for adequate remuneration for traineeships , following the recommendations set out in annex i hereto; ### 26. requests that the commission submit on the basis of article 153(2)(b) tfeu in conjunction with article 153(1)(b) tfeu , a proposal for a framework directive setting out minimum requirements for adequate remuneration for traineeships in the open labour market , following the recommendations set out in annex i hereto;


### recommendations as to the content of the proposal requested ### deleted


### a european framework directive for adequate remuneration for traineeships ### deleted


### a european framework directive for adequate remuneration for traineeships ### a european framework directive for adequate remuneration for traineeships in the open labour market


### the european parliament considers that the future legislative proposal for a framework directive setting out minimum requirements for adequate remuneration for traineeships should follow these principles and aims: ### deleted


### access to adequate mentorship and to the guidance of trained mentors. ### established clear learning objectives and access to adequate mentorship and to the guidance of trained mentors.


### — having regard to articles 12 , 27 , 28 , 30 , 31 and 47 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , ### — having regard to articles 12 , 15 , 16 , 21 , 23 , 27 , 28 , 30 , 31 and 47 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union ,


### — having regard to international labour organization (ilo) convention no 135 concerning protection and facilities to be afforded to workers’ representatives in the undertaking (the workers’ representatives convention) , ### — having regard to international labour organization (ilo) convention no 98 concerning the right to organise and collective bargaining , no 135 concerning protection and facilities to be afforded to workers’ representatives in the undertaking (the workers’ representatives convention) and no 154 concerning the collective bargaining convention ,


### a. whereas social partnership and collective bargaining between trade unions and representatives of employers at national level and social dialogue at eu level are key aspects of the european social model , whose shared legacy of social dialogue , workers’ participation , collective bargaining , employee representation on boards , health and safety representation and tripartite system are the building blocks of a diverse and economically , socially and environmentally sustainable future that will contribute to better and more inclusive eu growth; ### a. whereas social dialogue and collective bargaining between trade unions and representatives of employers at company , sectoral , national and eu level are key aspects of the european social model , whose shared legacy of social dialogue , workers’ participation , collective bargaining , employee representation on boards , health and safety representation and tripartite system are the building blocks of a diverse and economically , socially and environmentally sustainable future that will contribute to more inclusive eu growth;


### b. whereas collective bargaining at the sectoral and cross-industry levels came under pressure in some member states in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis; whereas the share of workers covered by collective agreements has declined significantly over the past 30 years , with an estimated drop in eu average coverage from about 66 % in 2000 to about 56 % in 201811 , owing to labour market reforms in many member states that decentralisedcollective bargaining systems , the rise of precarious forms of employment and bogus self-employment; whereas in most member states , collective bargaining covering rates tend to be higher for employees on permanent contracts and for those working in larger companies; ### b. whereas collective bargaining at the sectoral and cross-industry levels came under pressure in some member states in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis; whereas the share of workers covered by collective agreements has declined significantly in some member states over the past 30 years , whereas the estimated eu average coverage has dropped from about 66 % in 2000 to about 56 % in 201811 , with contributing factors including the decline in trade union membership , regulatory changes in a number ofcollective bargaining practices and processes12a , particularly with regard to the extension of collective agreements , shifting functional hierarchies and the growing importance of company-based bargaining processes;whereas it is important to note that the situation varies greatly between member states; whereas in most member states , collective bargaining covering rates tend to be higher for employees on permanent contracts and for those working in larger companies;


### c. whereas european workers and employers are currently facing major challenges stemming from the consequences of the pandemic and , since 24 february 2022 , the russian war of aggression against ukraine; whereas these events have shown a pressing need for broader and stronger participation by social partners , especially if the green and digital transitions to a sustainable , fair and social future for the eu are to be achieved; whereas workers or their representatives have the right to be informed and consulted in good time on matters relevant to them , in particular on the transfer , restructuring and merger of undertakings and on collective redundancies; ### c. whereas european workers and employers are currently facing major challenges stemming from the consequences of the pandemic and , since 24 february 2022 , the russian war of aggression against ukraine; whereas these events have shown a pressing need for broader and stronger participation by social partners , in order to harness the opportunities of a sustainable and fair green and digital transition;


### d. whereas democracy at work plays a key role in strengthening human rights in the workplace and society , in particular when workers’ representatives , including trade unions , are actively involved in business due diligence processes; whereas sustainable corporate governance can only be achieved with employee involvement; whereas workers’ voices are a key component of eu initiatives to ensure sustainable and democratic corporate governance and due diligence on human rights , including with regard to labour , and on climate change and the environment , as well as eu initiatives to reduce the use of unfair practices , such as labour exploitation and unfair competition in the single market; ### d. whereas democracy at work plays a key role in strengthening human rights in the workplace and society , for example when workers’ representatives , including trade unions , are actively involved in businesses’ due diligence processes; whereas employee involvement at the appropriate level contributes to sustainable corporate governance; whereas social partners’ voices must be a key component of eu initiatives to ensure sustainability , democracy and a fair transition , with regard to labour , climate change and the environment;


### e. whereas principle 8 of the european pillar of social rights states that social partners should be consulted on the design and implementation of economic , employment and social policies , according to national practices; whereas social partners are also encouraged to negotiate and conclude collective agreements on matters relevant to them , while safeguarding their autonomy and the right to collective action; whereas the porto social commitment called on all relevant actors to promote autonomous social dialogue as a structuring component of the european social model and to strengthen it at the european , national , regional , sectoral and company levels , with particular emphasis on ensuring an enabling framework for collective bargaining within the various models that exist across the member states; ### e. whereas principle 8 of the european pillar of social rights states that social partners should be consulted on the design and implementation of economic , employment and social policies , according to national practices; whereas social partners are also encouraged to negotiate and conclude collective agreements on matters relevant to them , while safeguarding their autonomy and the right to collective action; whereas workers or their representatives have the right to be informed and consulted in good time on matters relevant to them , in particular on the transfer , restructuring and merger of undertakings and on collective redundancies; whereas the porto social commitment called on all relevant actors to promote autonomous social dialogue as a structuring component of the european social model and to strengthen it at the european , national , regional , sectoral and company levels , with particular emphasis on ensuring an enabling framework for collective bargaining within the various models that exist across the member states;


### f. whereas some member states are ensuring an enabling framework for social dialogue , while in some other member states , social dialogue is under pressure for reasons including ineffective consultation procedures , a lack of capacity and strict representational criteria; whereas the eu regulatory landscape in the field of employment law and company law remains excessively fragmented , which could result in a lack of legal certainty on applicable rules and rights for both employers and employees; ### f. whereas some member states are ensuring an enabling framework for social dialogue , while in some other member states , social dialogue is under pressure for reasons including ineffective consultation procedures , a lack of capacity and strict representational criteria as well as limitations on the social partners’ freedom to autonomously negotiate and find compromises through collective bargaining; whereas the latter can manifest not only through explicit restrictions to social dialogue itself but through other types of legislation that limits the social partners’ room for manoeuvre in autonomous collective bargaining; whereas in accordance with article 9 of the esf+ regulation , member states must ensure meaningful participation of the social partners in the delivery of employment , education and social inclusion policies supported by the esf+ strand under shared management; whereas all member states must allocate an appropriate amount of esf+ resources , and where they have received related country-specific recommendations this shall be at least 0.25% , to capacity building of the social partners , including in the form of training , networking measures , and strengthening of the social dialogue , and to activities jointly undertaken by the social partners;


### g. whereas collective bargaining refers to all negotiations that take place according to national law and practice in each member state between an employer , a group of employers or one or more employers’ organisations on the one hand , and one or more trade unions on the other , to determine working conditions and terms of employment; whereas a trade union is understood to be a group of workers formed to further and defend workers’ interests , under national law and/or practice; whereas an employers’ organisation is an organisation whose membership consists of individual employers , other associations of employers or both , constituted to further and defend the interests of its members , under national law and/or practice; whereas in line with the workers’ representatives convention , which has been ratified by 24 member states , workers’ representatives can be persons who are: (i) recognised as such under national law or practice , whether or not they are trade union representatives , namely , representatives designated or elected by trade unions or by members of such unions; or (ii) elected representatives , namely , representatives who are freely elected by the workers of the undertaking in accordance with relevant provisions of national laws or regulations or of collective agreements and whose functions do not include activities that are recognised as the exclusive prerogative of trade unions in the country concerned; whereas when both trade union representatives and elected representative exists in the same undertaking , elected representatives should not to be used to undermine the position of the trade unions concerned or their representatives , in particular as regards collective bargaining ,which is the prerogative of the trade union; ### g. whereas collective bargaining refers to all negotiations that take place according to national law and practice in each member state between an employer , a group of employers or one or more employers’ organisations on the one hand , and one or more trade unions on the other , to determine working conditions and terms of employment; whereas a trade union is understood to be a group of workers formed to further and defend workers’ interests , under national law and/or practice; whereas an employers’ organisation is an organisation whose membership consists of individual employers , other associations of employers or both , constituted to further and defend the interests of its members , under national law and/or practice;


### h. whereas the enabling conditions for a well-functioning social dialogue are: (i) the existence of strong , independent trade unions and technical capacity in employers’ organisations; (ii) access to relevant information to participate in social dialogue; (iii) a commitment from all parties to engage in social dialogue; (iv) respect for the fundamental rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining; and (v) appropriate institutional support; ### h. whereas the enabling conditions for a well-functioning social dialogue are: (i) the existence of strong , independent trade unions and employers’ organisations; (ii) technical capacity , (iii) access to relevant information to participate in social dialogue; (iv) a commitment from all parties to engage in social dialogue; (v) respect for the fundamental rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining; and (vi) appropriate institutional support , (vii) adaptation to the digital age and promotion of collective bargaining in the new world of work; (viii) allowing independent social partners to negotiate and conclude collective agreements autonomously without undue political intervention;


### i. whereas strong collective bargaining , in particular at sectoral or cross-industry level , contributes to quality jobs; whereas trade unions , workers’ representation and participation and collective bargaining coverage are essential for the enforcement of workers’ rights and the proper functioning of companies; whereas action is needed to ensure a balance of bargaining power between employers and trade unions , which can be improved by strengthening democracy at work; ### i. whereas strong collective bargaining , in particular at sectoral or cross-industry level , contributes to quality jobs; whereas trade unions , workers’ representation and participation and collective bargaining coverage are essential for the enforcement of workers’ rights and can contribute to the proper functioning of companies; whereas one of the aims of social dialogue is to ensure a balance of bargaining power between employers and trade unions;


### l. whereas social dialogue and collective bargaining are key instruments for employers and trade unions to use to establish fair wages and working conditions; whereas strong collective bargaining systems increase member states’ resilience in times of economic crisis; whereas societies with strong collective bargaining systems tend to be wealthier and more equal; whereas the right to collective bargaining is an issue that concerns all european workers and that can also have crucial implications for democracy and the rule of law , including respect for fundamental social rights; whereas collective bargaining is a european fundamental right and the eu institutions are bound to respect it by article 28 of the charter of fundamental rights of the eu; whereas in this context , policies that respect , promote and strengthen collective bargaining and the position of workers in wage-setting systems play a critical role in achieving better working conditions; ### l. whereas social dialogue and collective bargaining are key instruments for employers and trade unions to use to establish fair wages and working conditions; whereas strong collective bargaining systems increase member states’ resilience in times of economic crisis; whereas societies with strong collective bargaining systems tend to be wealthier and more equal; whereas the right to collective bargaining is an issue that concerns all european workers and that can also have crucial implications for democracy and the rule of law , including respect for fundamental social rights; whereas collective bargaining is a european fundamental right and the eu institutions are bound to respect it by article 28 of the charter of fundamental rights of the eu; whereas in this context , policies that respect , promote and strengthen collective bargaining and the position of workers in wage-setting systems play a critical role in achieving a high standard of working conditions;


### o. whereas workers engaging in non-standard forms of work or in new forms of employment suffer from a lack of representation; whereas the emergence of new forms of employment makes it difficult for trade unions to recruit new members; ### o. whereas it is necessary for social partners to adapt and expand their outreach in order to connect to workers engaging in for example non-standard forms of work or in new forms of employment , where such workers often experience a lack of representation; whereas the emergence of new forms of employment requires a change of approach and mind-set amongst social partners to ensure that they remain open to , and can attract , workers with different employment contracts and statuses across all sectors such as solo self-employed or labour migrants; whereas it is crucial that this approach ensures inclusion and diversity in social partners’ membership and leadership , recognising that today’s world of work is globalised and intercultural;


### 1. stresses that social dialogue and collective bargaining contribute to the social market economy , one of the aims of the treaty of lisbon; reiterates that , in line with the treaties , which explicitly protect the autonomy of social partners and the self-regulatory systems in place in some member states , social dialogue must be protected in order for social partners to regulate themselves autonomously , ensuring total legitimacy and strong progress on collective agreement coverage; welcomes the commission proposal for a council recommendation on strengthening social dialogue in the eu; stresses that social dialogue at national and union level needs to be further improved and that more efforts are needed to support collective bargaining coverage and prevent social partners’ membership and organisational density from decreasing; regrets , however , that the proposal does not lay out any sustainable solutions for organising and financing sectoral social dialogue committees; calls on the commission to maintain its logistical support for sectoral social dialogue committees and to increase its financial , legal and political support; calls on the commission to continue supporting and closely monitoring sectoral social dialogue in order to ensure alignment between committees and that social dialogue can make a significant contribution to eu policies; strongly urges the commission to come up with new proposals that fully respect social partners’ autonomy and avoid severely devaluing european sectoral social dialogue; ### 1. stresses that social dialogue , including collective bargaining , is a crucial and beneficial tool for a well-functioning social market economy , driving economic and social resilience , competitiveness , stability and sustainable and inclusive growth and development; reiterates that , in line with the treaties , which explicitly protect the autonomy of social partners and the self-regulatory systems in place in some member states , social dialogue must be protected in order for social partners to regulate themselves autonomously , ensuring contractual freedom and total legitimacy in their achievements towards progress on collective agreement coverage;


### 2. urges the commission to monitor the implementation of its recommendation at national and union level , jointly with the member states and relevant social partners; calls on the commission and the member states to ensure that this monitoring allows social partners to , among other things , identify situations from which they have been excluded or in which they were inadequately involved in national-level consultations on union and national policy , including access to justice and the right to redress; ### 2. urges the commission to support and monitor the implementation of the recommendation at national and union level , jointly with the member states and relevant social partners; calls on the commission and the member states to ensure that such monitoring allows social partners to , among other things , identify situations from which they have been excluded or in which they were inadequately involved in national-level consultations on union and national policy , including access to justice and the right to redress; stresses that any type of monitoring must also safeguard the social partners’ freedom and ability to negotiate in a constructive manner that benefits both sides , where negotiations are conducted in a bipartite format;


### 3. believes that freedom of assembly and association and workers’ rights to organise , to collective union representation and to collectively call for reforms within their workplaces are fundamental aspects of the european project and core principles of the european social model , which have been affirmed and legally upheld by the eu institutions; ### 3. believes that freedom of assembly and association and workers’ rights to organise , to collective union representation and to collectively call for reforms within their workplaces are fundamental aspects of the european project and core principles of the european social model , which have been affirmed and legally upheld by the commission , the member states and social partners respectively;


### 4. is concerned that the density of employers’ organisations and trade unions is declining across all member states; warns that the decrease in collective bargaining coverage is not only due to the decline in trade union density , but also to the lack of representation within employers’ organisation and employers’ lack of involvement and willingness to participate in collective bargaining; ### 4. is concerned that the density of employers’ organisations and trade unions is declining across many member states; warns that the decrease in collective bargaining coverage is partly due to the decline in trade union density , to some extent the lack of representation within employers’ organisations; suggests that in order to turn this negative trend around and promote collective bargaining , a shift in approach is needed that adapts to the new realities in the world of work and continues to promote a culture of compromise and collaboration but also inclusion and diversity; believes that one way for social partners to remain attractive to new members and thus increase organisational density , is to make sure their outreach is inclusive , socially sustainable and open-minded , including towards groups outside the traditional membership such as the solo self-employed or labour migrants including from third countries;


### 5. urges the member states to take note of the fact that both mutual recognition of social partners and the statutory recognition of trade unions and employers’ organisations by the authorities of each member state are key to a successful collective bargaining framework , provided employers and workers are able to choose freely which organisation(s) will represent them; ### 5. urges the member states to take note of the fact that both mutual recognition of social partners and the statutory recognition of trade unions and employers’ organisations by the authorities of each member state are key to a successful collective bargaining framework , provided employers and workers are able to choose freely which organisation(s) will represent them; stresses that such statutory recognition is open and transparent on the basis of objective representativeness criteria established in consultation with employers’ organisations and trade unions;


### 6. calls on the commission and the member states to fully involve and consult with social partners on economic , social and employment policies and decision-making in open processes , including the european semester process; ### 6. calls on the commission and the member states to meaningfully involve the social partners in a timely manner in the design and implementation of social and employment policies , and where relevant , economic policies , including the european semester process;


### 7. calls on the commission and the member states , along with social partners , to commit to reaching collective bargaining coverage of 90 % by 2030 , with a view to improving living and working conditions in the union , contributing to upward social convergence , fighting in-work poverty and social exclusion and reducing wage inequality; ### 7. recalls that member states’ collective bargaining coverage rates vary significantly owing to a number of factors , including national tradition and practice as well as historical contexts which must be taken into account while striving for progress towards higher collective bargaining coverage; encourages the social partners to develop innovative approaches to increase collective bargaining coverage rates , including by extending memberships to all types of workers , including those with different employment contracts and statuses such as the solo self-employed; calls on the commission and the member states , to support the efforts of social partners in this regard through removing institutional and legal barriers to well-functioning collective bargaining , with a view to improving living and working conditions in the union , contributing to upward social convergence , fighting in-work poverty and social exclusion and reducing wage inequality;


### 8. calls on the member states to repeal any national legislation that hampers collective bargaining , including any legislation that inhibits trade unions’ access to workplaces for the purpose of organising; calls on the commission and the member states to promote sectoral-level collective bargaining as an important instrument to increase collective agreement coverage , making sure that derogations from collective agreements concluded at a higher level are restricted to situations in which those derogations are needed to maintain quality employment; ### 8. calls on the member states to review and repeal national legislation that hampers collective bargaining , including legislation that arbitrarily restricts trade unions’ access to workplaces for the purpose of organising; calls on the commission and the member states to promote collective bargaining as an important instrument to increase collective agreement coverage including by supporting the capacity-building of social partners , making sure employment related initiatives allow for independent and equal national social partners to adapt , complement or deviate from legislation by way of collective agreements as long as the aims of adopted legislative acts is still fulfilled;


### 9. underlines that reforms in the member states should not negatively affect collective bargaining and that collective bargaining needs to be promoted at sectoral level , including by supporting the capacity-building of social partners; stresses that labour market reforms at national level must contribute to implementing the european pillar of social rights , including principle 8 thereof on social dialogue and the involvement of workers , as well as collective bargaining , respect for the autonomy of social partners and the rights to collective action and to be informed and consulted in good time on the transfer , restructuring and merging of undertakings and on collective redundancies; calls on the commission to analyse any labour reforms relating to these issues in the member states’ national recovery and resilience plans; ### 9. underlines that member states should examine how reforms in the field of employment and social affairs affect collective bargaining and actively promote an enabling framework for social partners; stresses that labour market reforms at national level should contribute to the aims of the european pillar of social rights , in particular principle 8 thereof on social dialogue and the involvement of workers , as well as collective bargaining , respect for the autonomy of social partners and the rights to collective action and to be informed and consulted in good time on the transfer , restructuring and merging of undertakings and on collective redundancies; calls on the commission to analyse any labour reforms relating to these issues in the member states’ national recovery and resilience plans;


### 10. is concerned about the fact that some workers taking part in new forms of work do not enjoy effective representation or participation rights in the workplace; deplores the fact that this is the case , in particular , for sectors where the majority of workers are women; reiterates its call on the commission and the member states to ensure the right of workers to freedom of association and participation in the workplace for all forms of employment; is concerned about the growing phenomenon of company trade unions or workers’ representatives that are established or controlled by and work in the interests of the employer rather than the workers; stresses that this is particularly serious in certain sectors where the misclassification of workers and precariousness are common; warns that such company trade unions or workers’ representatives are contrary to article 2 of ilo convention no 98 concerning the application of the principles of the right to organise and to bargain collectively and to directive 2002/14/ec15; calls on the commission and the member states to , along with social partners , ensure that elections for workers’ representatives comply with the workers’ representatives convention and that workers’ representatives enjoy effective protection from any prejudicial act towards them , including dismissal , based on their status or activities as a workers’ representative or on their union membership or participation in union activities; ### 10. acknowledges that new and non-standard forms of work will require new types of effective representation and participation rights in the workplace , innovative approaches and inclusive outreach; reiterates its call on the commission and the member states to ensure the right of workers to freedom of association and participation in the workplace for all forms of employment; warns that union-busting is contrary to article 2 of ilo convention no 98 concerning the application of the principles of the right to organise and to bargain collectively and to directive 2002/14/ec15; calls on the commission and the member states to , along with social partners , ensure that elections for workers’ representatives comply with the workers’ representatives convention and that workers’ representatives enjoy effective protection from any prejudicial act towards them , including dismissal , based on their status or activities as a workers’ representative or on their union membership or participation in union activities;


### 11. calls for the eu industrial strategy to ensure that the jobs of tomorrow are not only green , but above all decent , well paid and based on good working conditions , including as regards health and safety at work , robust social protection and gender equality; calls on the member states , in the context of the european green deal and the repowereu plan , to adopt and implement , in close cooperation with social partners , comprehensive and coherent policy packages to benefit all societal groups and to make optimal use of public and private funding , including social conditionalities for the creation of quality jobs with fair working conditions and good pay , the promotion of collective bargaining and respect for collective agreements; considers furthermore that all eu financial support to undertakings , including the green deal industrial plan programmes , should be made conditional on the undertakings’ compliance with the applicable working and employment conditions and/or employer obligations , including any applicable collective agreements; urges the commission and the member states to enforce the requirements that companies receiving public support must avoid redundancies and the worsening of working conditions and that , under the eu industrial plan , undertakings must respect collective bargaining and information and consultation processes with unions on investments , restructuring and any reforms; ### 11. calls for the eu industrial strategy to ensure that the jobs of tomorrow are both green and decent , ensuring adequate remuneration and good working conditions , including as regards health and safety at work , robust social protection and gender equality; calls on the member states , in the context of the european green deal and the repowereu plan , to adopt and implement , in close cooperation with social partners , comprehensive and coherent policy packages to benefit all societal groups and to make optimal use of public and private funding , for the creation of quality jobs , the promotion of collective bargaining and respect for collective agreements; urges the commission and the member states to ensure that companies receiving public support must respect collective bargaining and information and consultation processes with unions on investments , restructuring and any reforms;


### 12. calls on the commission to strongly enforce the social clause in the existing eu public procurement directive16and to revise the directive in order to further strengthen social clauses inpublic contracts to requireeconomic operators and subcontractors to fullyrespect workers’right to collective bargaining and to set conditions for the full implementation of the applicable sectoralcollective agreements and to exclude from tenders companies that have been condemned for engaging in criminal activities or union-busting or that have refused to participate in collective bargaining; calls for this revision to exempt all social and welfare services from procurement obligations and to establish a european exclusion mechanism to excludeprimary contractors and subcontractors who have repeatedly engaged in unfair competition and tax fraud; calls on the commission and the member states to ensure compliance with and monitoring and enforcement of the public procurement directive; ### 12. calls on the commission to enforce the social clause in the existing eu public procurement directive16which requires member states to ensure that in the performance ofpublic contracts economic operators comply with applicable obligations in the fields of environmental , social and labour law established by union law , national law , collective agreements or by applicable international environmental , social and labour law provisions includingrespect for theright to organise andcollective bargaining and calls on social partners to enhance their efforts in making sure that economic operators are bound bycollective agreements; calls on the member states to make sure their judicial systems have sufficient capacity to exercise their authority and addressprimary contractors and subcontractors who have repeatedly engaged in unfair competition and tax fraud; calls on the commission and the member states to ensure compliance with and monitoring and enforcement of the public procurement directive;


### 13. calls on the member states to transpose as soon as possible the adequate minimum wages directive , which requires member states to take appropriate measures to ensure that , in the awarding and carrying out of public procurement or concession contracts , economic operators and their subcontractors comply with the applicable obligations regarding wages , the right to organise and collective bargaining on wage-setting in the field of social and labour law established by union law , national law , collective agreements and international social and labour law provisions , including ilo conventions no 87 concerning freedom of association and protection of the right to organise and no 98 concerning the application of the principles of the right to organise and to bargain collectively; ### 13. calls on the member states to transpose the adequate minimum wages directive , where applicable and according to the situation in each member state , to take appropriate measures to ensure that , in the awarding and carrying out of public procurement or concession contracts , economic operators and their subcontractors comply with the applicable obligations regarding wages , the right to organise and collective bargaining on wage-setting in the field of social and labour law established by union law , national law , collective agreements and international social and labour law provisions , including ilo conventions no 87 concerning freedom of association and protection of the right to organise and no 98 concerning the application of the principles of the right to organise and to bargain collectively;


### 14. reiterates its call on the commission to propose a new directive on a general framework for workers’ information , consultation and participation for european companies , including subcontracting chains and franchises , and for companies that use european company mobility instruments , in order to establish minimum standards , including on anticipation of change and restructuring , in particular at company level; reiterates its call for a revision of the european works council directive to ensure , inter alia , proper enforcement , access to justice and effective sanctions for violations of the rules and to improve the functioning of the special negotiating body , including by creating a transnational information and consultation process , which should be properly conducted and completed before any decisions are taken; ### 14. reiterates its call for a revision of the european works council directive with a view to clarifying its objectives , definitions and procedures , strengthening the right of employee representatives to information and consultation , particularly during restructuring processes; stresses the need to ensure the proper functioning of undertakings and the capacity of their management to make decisions in an efficient and timely manner; underlines the importance of enhancing transparency and workers’ rights to information and consultation in all types of companies , in a way the benefits both the employees and the employer; stresses that this is precisely the purpose of proper functioning social dialogue;


### 15. calls on the commission and the member states to establish the necessary conditions and requirements to have at least 80 % of corporations covered by sustainable corporate governance agreements by 2030 , including by establishing strategies agreed on with workers in order to positively influence environmental , social and economic development through governance practices and market presence , improve directors’ accountability as regards integrating sustainability into corporate decision-making and promote corporate governance practices that contribute to company sustainability , such as those related to , inter alia , corporate reporting , board remuneration , the maximum wage ratio , board composition and stakeholder involvement; ### 15. calls on the member states to ensure that companies’ respective corporate governance models take due account of environmental , social and economic development through governance practices and market presence and promote corporate governance practices that contribute to company sustainability , in a way that does not overthrow the functioning of those respective models and that takes into account the different sizes and sectors of companies;


### 16. welcomes the fact that the commission communication on social dialogue states that the commission will appoint a social dialogue coordinator in each commission service to get a better understanding of social dialogue across the institution; is concerned that , without a clear mandate on what their roles , rights and responsibilities entail , these coordinators will have an insufficient impact; suggests that the commission involve these social dialogue coordinators in all employment-related aspects and effects of eu regulations and policymaking , beyond the scope of article 153 tfeu; ### 16. welcomes the fact that the commission communication on social dialogue states that the commission will appoint a social dialogue coordinator in each commission service to get a better understanding of social dialogue across the institution , as was previously proposed by the social partners themselves; stresses , however , that the social partners have the best understanding of social dialogue and should therefore be preferred as candidates for this coordinator role , for example through secondments from national social partners in the member states , which can help clarify the mandate on what their roles , rights and responsibilities entail , in order to have the desired impact; suggests that the commission involve these social dialogue coordinators in all employment-related aspects and effects of eu regulations and policymaking;


### 17. calls on the member states to ratify and implement all ilo core conventions , including no 155 concerning occupational safety and health and the working environment and no 187 concerning the promotional framework for occupational safety and health , which have both been recently designated as ilo core conventions and which have not yet been ratified by all member states; calls on the commission to encourage the member states to ratify and implement all the ilo core conventions; ### 17. calls on the member states to ratify and implement all ilo core conventions , in particular no 155 concerning occupational safety and health and the working environment and no 187 concerning the promotional framework for occupational safety and health , which have both been recently designated as ilo core conventions and which have not yet been ratified by all member states; calls on the commission to encourage the member states to ratify and implement all the ilo core conventions;


### 18. calls on the commission and the member states to ensure the proper functioning of individual and collective labour dispute settlement systems , as recommended by various ilo conventions and recommendations , including conciliation , mediation and arbitration services , which should have simplified procedures and enough resources available to assist both workers and employers and which should be free of charge and expeditious; calls on the member states with decentralised labour mediation services to ensure that regional authorities cannot dismantle those services to guarantee a similar level of protection for all workers and employers within the national territory; ### 18. calls on the member states to ensure the proper functioning of individual and collective labour dispute settlement systems in accordance with national law and/or practice , including conciliation , mediation and arbitration services with the agreement of both parties , which should have simplified procedures and enough resources available to assist both workers and employers; calls on the member states with decentralised labour mediation services to ensure that regional authorities maintain those services to guarantee a similar level of protection for all workers and employers within the national territory;


### 20. highlights that recital 35 of directive (eu) 2019/212117states that ‘[i]n certain circumstances , the right of companies to carry out a cross-border operation could be used for abusive or fraudulent purposes , such as for the circumvention of the rights of employees , social security payments or tax obligations , or for criminal purposes’;considers it essential , in this regard , to adequately define ambitious eu minimum standards for information , consultation , board-level representation and the participation of workers when companies restructure across borders;calls on the commission , in the context of its forthcoming evaluation of directive (eu) 2019/2121 , to take account of existing good practices and the results of studies on and assessments of the positive socioeconomic effects and consequences of employee representation in corporate bodies , while also amending existing directives on this issue , which could help improve corporate governance; calls on the commission to develop initiatives to raise awareness and improve knowledge of national and eu rules governing employee representation in corporate bodies in the various member states and to foster the exchange of best practices , including assessing the different forms of worker participation and their socioeconomic effects; reiterates that several eu legal acts concerning workers’ board-level representation rights do not establish minimum requirements for board-level representation in eu companies in their various forms or for companies that use eu company legal instruments to enable cross-border company mobility and legal reorganisation , including cross-border mergers , conversions and divisions;calls on the commission and the member states to take urgent and decisive actionto ensure that eu companies respect workers’ information , consultation and participation rights and that , accordingly , they comply with existing eu and national legal obligations; ### 20. calls on the commission , in the context of its forthcoming evaluation of directive (eu) 2019/2121 , to take account of existing good practices and the results of studies on and assessments of the positive socioeconomic effects and consequences of employee representation in corporate bodies , which could help improve corporate governance; calls on the commission to develop initiatives to raise awareness and improve knowledge of national and eu rules governing employee representation in corporate bodies in the various member states and to foster the exchange of best practices , including assessing the different forms of worker participation and their socioeconomic effects; calls on the commission and the member states to ensure that eu companies respect workers’ information , consultation and participation rights and that , accordingly , they comply with existing eu and national legal obligations;


### a. whereas the joint employment report for 2023 strengthens the focus on the implementation of the un sustainable development goals and the epsr; ### a. whereas the joint employment report for 2023 strengthens the focus on the implementation of the un sustainable development goals , the european green deal objectives , and the epsr;


### e. whereas rapid increases in energy prices and inflation across the eu are placing a burden on households; ### e. whereas rapid increases in energy prices and inflation across the eu are placing a burden on households and smes , and are threatening the green transition;


### 2. endorses the commission’s ambition of further strengthening coordinated eu policy responses to mitigate in the short term the burden that high energy prices , inflation , supply-chain disruptions , rising debt levels and the increased cost of borrowing are placing on european households and businesses; highlights the fact that social investment is essential to allow for sustainable growth in the medium and long term and that national welfare systems have an essential stabilisation function; ### 2. endorses the commission’s ambition of further strengthening coordinated eu policy responses to mitigate in the short term the burden that high energy prices , inflation , supply-chain disruptions , rising debt levels and the increased cost of borrowing are placing on european households and businesses , especially smes and entrepreneurs; highlights the fact that social investment is essential to allow for sustainable growth in the medium and long term and that national welfare systems have an essential stabilisation function;


### 3. stresses that public services are pillars of democracy and a bulwark against populism , ensure core democratic values including respect for fundamental and human rights and play a crucial role in overcoming crises; calls for the revision of the legal framework for services of general economic interest to ensure that households in need have access to good-quality essential services , particularly housing , energy , transport , water , the internet and sanitation; ### 3. stresses that quality , efficient and accessible public services are pillars of the european social model , and essential to mitigate crises , maintain social cohesion and support the development of the economy; calls on the european commission to better include social considerations in the area of state aids , such as the promotion of the recruitment of disadvantaged workers , such as persons with disabilities and to widen the scope of the general block exemption regulation in its next revision in view to contribute to a better access to and quality of essential goods and services.


### 4. supports a more democratic european semester process , with parliament strongly involved in setting economic policy priorities as well as in the taking of economic governance decisions , especially those with a strong social dimension; considers that the european semester process should follow the community method and be agreed between the council and parliament; ### 4. supports a more democratic european semester process , with parliament strongly involved in setting macro-economic policy priorities as well as in the taking of economic governance decisions , including those with a strong social dimension; considers that the european semester process should follow the community method and be agreed between the council and parliament;


### 5. supports a shift towards a sustainable , inclusive and resilient growth model , strengthening the sustainable development and resilience of the eu’s economy and the full implementation of the epsr , including its relevant headline targets for 2030 , a social progress protocol and promoting future-oriented investments focused on the just green and digital transitions , with a strong social dimension , including gender equality; ### 5. supports a shift towards a sustainable , inclusive and resilient growth model , that supports up-ward social convergence and strengthens the sustainable development and resilience of the eu’s economy; and welcomes the progress made this year regarding the implementation of the epsr but still expects a full implementation , including of its relevant headline targets for 2030 , a social progress protocol an the promotion of future-oriented investments focused on the just green and digital transitions , with a strong social dimension promoting gender equality and equal access to life-long learning and new technologies , especially for low-skilled workers;


### 6. welcomes the revised european semester process , with a broader scope and enhanced multilateral surveillance; ### 6. welcomes the revised european semester process , with a broader scope and enhanced multilateral surveillance; that will ensure sustainability , key investments while ensuring fiscal stability ;


### 7. notes the new dual function of the national reform programmes (nrps); reminds the member states of their obligation to undertake reforms and make investments that contribute to the implementation of the epsr through their national recovery and resilience plans (nrrps) , as well as their commitment to continuing to deepen this implementation at eu and national levels in order to reduce inequalities; ### 7. notes the new dual function of the national reform programmes (nrps) ; reminds the member states of their commitment to undertake reforms and make investments that contribute to the implementation of the epsr through their national recovery and resilience plans (nrrps) , as well as their commitment to continuing to deepen this implementation at eu and national levels in order to reduce inequalities;


### 8. is concerned that the constraints imposed by the stability and convergence programmes might hinder the proper implementation of several principles of the epsr; ### 8. is concerned that the constraints imposed by the stability and convergence programmes might hinder the proper implementation of several principles of the epsr , while it recognises the need for member states to reduce public debt and deficit within a reasonable time;


### 9. calls on the commission to present a regulation on a social convergence framework , establishing a new mechanism to monitor social convergence risks , prevent other policy actions or economic shocks from having negative social spillover effects on upward social convergence , detect potential setbacks for the proper implementation of the epsr and establish mandatory social targets to be achieved; believes that social divergence risks should be included in the country-specific recommendations and taken into account when defining fiscal adjustment paths; ### 9. calls on the commission to assess if new financial and/or policy instruments could contribute to social convergence and better monitor risks of socio-economic divergence , or economic shocks from having negative social spillover effects on upward social convergence , detect potential setbacks for the proper implementation of the epsr and establish mandatory social targets to be achieved; believes that social divergence risks should be included in the country-specific recommendations and taken into account when defining fiscal adjustment paths; invites member states to participate in the review of the eu fiscal rules in order to encourage sustainable growth-enhancing social investment while maintaining fiscal sustainability


### 10. stresses the importance of better assessing the distributional impact of existing and new policies and reforms monitored through the european semester process; calls on the commission to include distributional impact assessment requirements in the nrps; points out that fiscal consolidation can only be fair and sustainable if the distributional impact of reallocated expenditure or shifts in revenues is well calibrated and contributes to reducing inequalities; ### 10. stresses the importance of better assessing the distributional impact of existing and new policies and reforms monitored through the european semester process; calls on the commission to include distributional impact assessment requirements in the nrps; points out that fiscal consolidation is needed but can only be fair and sustainable if the distributional impact of reallocated expenditure or shifts in revenues is well calibrated and contributes to reducing inequalities; calls for clear goals to reach in terms of the creation of quality jobs ;


### 11. considers that the revised social scoreboard does not properly cover the 20 epsr principles; calls , therefore , for the improvement of the social scoreboard and the inclusion of relevant indicators to identify social divergences through a dynamic assessment; draws attention to the importance of including indicators that fully reflect the trends in and causes of inequality , such as indicators on good-quality employment , wealth distribution , access to good-quality public services , adequate pensions , minimum income schemes , occupational diseases (including mental health conditions) and unemployment benefits , as well as indicators measuring the social impact of environmental degradation and climate change; reminds the commission that the ‘at risk of poverty or social exclusion’ (arope) indicator does not capture the wider and more complex causes of inequalities; ### 11. considers that the revised social scoreboard does not properly cover the 20 epsr principles; calls , therefore , for the improvement of the social scoreboard and the inclusion of relevant indicators , for instance relating to social wellbeing , to identify social divergences through a dynamic assessment; draws attention to the importance of including indicators that fully reflect the trends in and causes of inequality , such as indicators on good-quality employment , wealth distribution , access to good-quality public services , adequate pensions , minimum income schemes , occupational diseases (including mental health conditions) and unemployment benefits , as well as indicators measuring the social impact of environmental degradation and climate change; reminds the commission that the ‘at risk of poverty or social exclusion’ (arope) indicator does not capture the wider and more complex causes of inequalities;


### 12. acknowledges the commission proposal for the revision of the economic governance framework to strengthen debt sustainability and enhance sustainable and inclusive growth through investment and reforms; points out that cyclical expenditure for unemployment as well as other social expenditure and investment required to comply with nrrp milestones must be excluded from excessive-deficit calculations in order to increase fairness in the green and digital transitions , social resilience and the implementation of the epsr , while ensuring the sustainability of public finances in the member states; ### 12. acknowledges the commission proposal for the revision of the economic governance framework to strengthen debt sustainability and enhance sustainable , digital and inclusive growth through investment and reforms; calls on the commission to assess which social investment expenditures are necessary to achieve socio-economic long-term objectives and to suggest a new system for excessive-deficit calculations based on such assessment in order to increase fairness in the green and digital transitions , social resilience and the implementation of the epsr , while ensuring the sustainability of public finances in the member states ;


### 13. is concerned about the current economic landscape , forecasts for the near future and the impact that wage increases below inflation could have on living standards in the eu; calls on the member states to rapidly implement the provisions established in the minimum wages directive1 , so that minimum wages are increased to at least 60 % of a country’s gross median salary or 50 % of the gross average; calls on the commission to monitor the state of play in relation to minimum wages and ensure that low-end salaries , and particularly minimum wages , reflect the soaring cost of living; ### 13. is concerned about the current economic landscape , forecasts for the near future and the impact that wage increases below inflation could have on living standards in the eu; calls on the member states to fight against competitive practices based on low wages and low working conditions standards , and to rapidly implement the provisions established in the minimum wages directive , so that , as recommanded , minimum wages are increased to at least 60 % of a country’s gross median salary or 50 % of the gross average; calls on the commission to defend the right to decent living conditions and to monitor the state of play in relation to minimum wages and ensure that low-end salaries , and particularly minimum wages , reflect the soaring cost of living;


### 14. welcomes the agreement on the adoption of the social climate fund; warns that both the aims and the funding of this instrument make it clearly insufficient to address the unequal impact of climate change and environmental degradation on different income groups; highlights the urgency of adopting instruments that enable all parts of society to enjoy the benefits of a climate-neutral economy , and that protect households from the impact of both climate change and pollution and prevent them from suffering any negative social consequences that might arise from the implementation of european green deal policies; insists that social and environmental policies and objectives must be integrated on an equal footing with economic ones; ### 14. welcomes the agreement on the adoption of the social climate fund as an ambitious start to support vulnerable households in the green transition and tackle energy and transport poverty; calls for more tools to address the unequal impact of climate change and environmental degradation on different income groups; highlights the urgency of adopting instruments that enable households and micro-enterprises to enjoy the benefits of a climate-neutral economy , and that protect households from the impact of both climate change and pollution ; insists that social and environmental policies and objectives must be integrated on an equal footing with economic ones;


### 15. calls on the commission and the member states to lay the foundations for the development of green social protection schemes2 at national level with eu funding support , in order to strengthen social resilience against the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation by addressing the side effects of green policies on jobs and living conditions; points out that these schemes should include the following aspects: ### 15. calls on the commission and the member states to build upon the social climate fund and lay the foundations for the development of green social protection schemes and support for smes at national level with eu funding support , in order to strengthen social resilience against the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation by addressing the side effects of green policies on jobs and living conditions and to make sure the impacted communities are fully prepared for a new labour market ; points out that these schemes should include the following aspects:


### c) public works programmes that provide cash or in-kind support and contribute to rehabilitating assets and infrastructure while enhancing workers’ skills and employability; ### c) public works programmes that provide cash or in-kind support and contribute to rehabilitating assets and infrastructure while enhancing workers’ skills and employability and make sure they have the tools to fit into a new labour market


### e) employment guarantee schemes that create new opportunities for communities that can no longer earn their livelihood through their previous activities owing to environmental protection measures; ### e) employment guarantee schemes and trainings or professional reorientation that create new opportunities for communities that can no longer earn their livelihood through their previous activities owing to environmental protection measures and to ensure they can still be included in the labour market;


### 17. highlights that , with the working-age population shrinking , policies that bring more people into the labour market are essential; ### 17. highlights that , with the working-age population shrinking and with the existing competency gap , policies that bring more people into the labour market are essential ; calls for a better inclusion of vulnerable groups in the european semester , the implementation of measures supporting youth and senior employment , and better opportunities for disabled people ;as well as for efficient tools to prevent discrimination;


### 18. is concerned about the discrepancies between the analysis and recommendations of the european centre for the development of vocational training (cedefop) on skills policy and the policies implemented at eu and national levels , which might be causing inefficiencies; draws attention to the evidence laid out in cedefop reports3 regarding skills underutilisation , overqualification , low skills demands and limited complexity in many european jobs and the relatively modest level of digital skills demands in europe , which could hinder the digital transition; calls on the commission to present proposals and coordinate policy actions that contribute to increasing the number of more digitally complex jobs and facilitate the design of incentives that boost the digital upskilling of workers; ### 18. is concerned about the discrepancies between the analysis and recommendations of the european centre for the development of vocational training (cedefop) on skills policy and the policies implemented at eu and national levels , which might be causing inefficiencies; draws attention to the evidence laid out in cedefop reports[1] regarding skills underutilisation , overqualification , low skills demands and limited complexity in many european jobs and the relatively modest level of digital skills in europe , which could hinder the digital transition and impact europe’s competitiveness; calls on the commission to present proposals and coordinate policy actions that contribute to boost the digital upskilling of workers including trainings and lifelong education; highlights that such initiatives should also target vulnerable groups and minorities to facilitate access to the labour market to all;


### 19. recalls that cedefop’s reports stress that recruitment difficulties (including owing to skills mismatches) also reflect to a considerable extent poor job quality , a lack of people-oriented hr policy and untapped job design opportunities; calls on the commission to revise its upskilling and reskilling policies in light of cedefop’s findings , for instance by elevating skills demands and job complexity at european firms via demand-side interventions; ### 19. recalls that cedefop’s reports stress that recruitment difficulties (including owing to skills mismatches) also reflect to a considerable extent poor job quality , a lack of people-oriented hr policy and untapped job design opportunities; calls on the commission to contribute to address competency gaps that exists in europe and to revise its upskilling and reskilling policies in light of cedefop’s findings , while paying particular attention to the needs of smes and sectors that face skills shortages ; highlights the acute need for more support towards lifelong training and professional reorientation in line with the 2030 target of reaching at least 60% of all adults taking part in a training every year;


### 20. calls for the eu industrial strategy to ensure that the jobs of tomorrow are not only green , but above all decent , well paid and based on good working conditions , with health and safety at work , robust social protection and gender equality; calls also for it to ensure that people are adequately remunerated in line with their qualifications and certified competences; ### 20. calls for the eu industrial strategy to promote green , digital , decent , and adequately paid jobs , which are based on good working conditions , with health and safety at work , and gender equality;


### 1. calls on the commission and the member states to combat discrimination against older people , especially in the area of employment , and to shape a positive perception of old age in society; ### 1. calls on the commission and the member states to combat discrimination against older people , particularly women and especially in the area of employment , and to shape a positive perception of old age in society;


### a. whereas the demographic old-age dependency ratio (people aged 65 or above relative to those aged 15-64) is projected to increase significantly in the eu as a whole in the coming decades; whereas it has risen to 29.6 % on 2016 figures , and is projected to rise further , notably up to 2050 and reaching 51.2 % in 2070; ### a. whereas the demographic old-age dependency ratio (people aged 65 or above relative to those aged 15-64) is projected to increase significantly in the eu as a whole in the coming decades; whereas it has risen to 31.4 % in 20191a , and is projected to rise further , notably up to 52 % in 20501b and reaching 51.2 % in 2070;


### d. whereas the measures taken as a result of the covid-19 crisis have changed the way in which people work; whereas over a third of union workers started working from home during the lockdown , compared to 5 % who usually worked from home , and there was a substantial increase in the use of digital tools for work purposes; ### d. whereas the measures taken as a result of the covid-19 crisis have changed the way in which people work and have demonstrated the importance of digital solutions , including the use of work-at-home schemes by companies , the self-employed and public administration bodies , across the union; whereas over a third of union workers started working from home during the lockdown , compared to 5 % who usually worked from home , and there was a substantial increase in the use of digital tools for work purposes;


### 2. highlights that constant connectivity combined with high job demands and the rising expectation that workers are reachable at any time can negatively affect workers’ fundamental rights and their physical and mental health and well-being; ### 2. highlights that constant connectivity combined with high job demands and the rising expectation that workers are reachable at any time can negatively affect workers’ fundamental rights , their work-life balance , and their physical and mental health and well-being;


### 3. notes that ‘an increasing body of evidence underlines that the effects of a reduction of regular long working hours include positive impacts on workers’ physical and mental health , improved workplace safety and increased labour productivity due to reduced fatigue and stress , higher levels of employee job satisfaction and motivation and lower rates of absenteeism’10; ### 3. notes that ‘an increasing body of evidence underlines that the effects of a delimitation of working hours , some flexibility in the organisation of working time combined with active measures to improve well-being at work include positive impacts on workers’ physical and mental health , improved workplace safety and increased labour productivity due to reduced fatigue and stress , higher levels of employee job satisfaction and motivation and lower rates of absenteeism’10;


### 4. acknowledges the importance of using digital tools for work purposes properly and efficiently , with care to avoid any infringement of workers’ rights to fair working conditions , including a fair remuneration , the limitation of working time and work-life balance , as well as health and safety at work; ### 4. acknowledges the importance of using digital tools for work purposes reasonably , properly and efficiently , with care to avoid any infringement of workers’ rights to fair working conditions , including a fair remuneration , the limitation of working time and work-life balance , as well as health and safety at work;


### 7. reiterates that the combination of long working hours and higher demands on people working from home during the covid-19 crisis is likely to pose higher than expected risks for workers , with a negative impact on the quality of their working time and their work-life balance; ### 7. reiterates that the combination of long working hours and higher demands on people working from home during the covid-19 crisis is likely to pose higher than expected risks for workers , especially women and youth , with a negative impact on the quality of their working time and their work-life balance; considers however that regulating work-at-home schemes would contribute to enhancing work-life balance , reducing co2 emissions related to the daily commute , promoting productivity and increasing employment opportunities , particularly for people with disabilities , and may serve as a tool to tackle rural depopulation;


### 12. calls on the commission to adopt a union directive to ensure that workers are able to exercise their right to disconnect and to regulate the use of existing and new digital tools for work purposes; ### 12. calls on the commission to adopt a union directive to ensure that workers are able to exercise their right to disconnect and that , as a result of a balanced social dialogue , employers and social partners introduce effective measures to regulate the use of existing and new digital tools for work purposes;


### 12. calls on the commission to adopt a union directive to ensure that workers are able to exercise their right to disconnect and to regulate the use of existing and new digital tools for work purposes; ### 12. calls on the commission to adopt a union directive to ensure that workers are able to exercise effectively their right to disconnect;


### 12. calls on the commission to adopt a union directive to ensure that workers are able to exercise their right to disconnect and to regulate the use of existing and new digital tools for work purposes; ### 12. calls on the commission to adopt a union directive to ensure a uniform definition of telework across the union , establishing the voluntary character of telework and as well as other rights such as the right to disconnect;


### 13. is of the opinion that the new directive should particularise and complement directives 2003/88/ec , (eu) 2019/1152 and (eu) 2019/1158 , and believes that it should provide for solutions to address the responsibilities of employers and the expectations of workers regarding the organisation of their working time when they use digital tools; ### 13. is of the opinion that the new directive should particularise and complement directives 2003/88/ec , (eu) 2019/1152 and (eu) 2019/1158 , and believes that it should provide for solutions to address existing models , the responsibilities of employers , the role of the social partners and the needs of workers regarding the organisation of their working time when they use digital tools;


### 13. is of the opinion that the new directive should particularise and complement directives 2003/88/ec , (eu) 2019/1152 and (eu) 2019/1158 , and believes that it should provide for solutions to address the responsibilities of employers and the expectations of workers regarding the organisation of their working time when they use digital tools; ### 13. is of the opinion that a new legislative framework on telework at union level should particularise and complement directives 2003/88/ec , (eu) 2019/1152 and (eu) 2019/1158 , and believes that it should provide for solutions to address the responsibilities of employers and the expectations of workers regarding the organisation of their working time when they use digital tools;


### 16. stresses that the commission , member states , employers and workers must actively support and encourage the right to disconnect and promote an efficient , reasoned and balanced approach to digital tools at work , as well as awareness-raising measures , education and training campaigns relating to working time and the right to disconnect; ### 16. stresses that the commission , member states , employers and workers must actively support and encourage the right to disconnect and promote an efficient , reasoned and balanced approach to digital tools at work , as well as awareness-raising measures , education and training campaigns relating to working time , the right to disconnect and reasonable use of digital tools;


### a. whereas , as full citizens , all persons with disabilities have equal rights in all fields of life and are entitled to inalienable dignity , equal treatment , independent living , autonomy and full participation in society; ### a. whereas , as full citizens , all persons with disabilities have equal rights in all fields of life and are entitled to inalienable dignity , equal treatment , independent living , autonomy and full participation in society , whereas more than half of the member states are depriving people suffering from mental health problems or with an intellectual disability of their right to vote;


### a. whereas , as full citizens , all persons with disabilities have equal rights in all fields of life and are entitled to inalienable dignity , equal treatment , independent living , autonomy and full participation in society; ### a. whereas , as full citizens , all disabled persons have equal rights in all fields of life and are entitled to inalienable dignity , equal treatment , independent living , autonomy and full participation in society;


### d. whereas digital technologies harbour substantial potential for teachers and learners across education sectors and settings; ### d. whereas digital technologies harbour substantial potential for teachers and learners across education sectors and settings; whereas , however , teachers' freedom of teaching should remain at the heart of the educational process and whereas face-to-face teaching can never be replaced in quality by e-learning; whereas it is necessary to limit the time learners spend in front of a screen;


### f. whereas the sudden shift to online and distance learning also revealed alarming gaps in the digital skills of teachers , parents and learners and in their ability to use digital technologies effectively; ### f. whereas the sudden shift to online and distance learning also revealed alarming gaps in the digital skills of teachers , parents and learners and in their ability to use digital technologies effectively and safely;


### h. whereas the covid-19 pandemic will herald profound changes and may well not be the last pandemic; whereas it would be unforgivable not to be properly prepared to deliver full-scale quality digital education for all in the event of a potential second wave; ### h. whereas the covid-19 pandemic will herald profound changes for our way of life; whereas it would be unforgivable not to be properly prepared to deliver full-scale quality digital education for all;


### 1. welcomes the updated digital education action plan as a further step towards a more comprehensive digital skills and education strategy; believes that the plan will have been a success if , by its completion , digital education is considered a significant part of education policy and has delivered clear , consistent and positive results in terms of access and quality across the union; ### 1. welcomes the updated digital education action plan as a further step towards a more comprehensive digital skills and education strategy; believes that the plan will have been a success if , by its completion , digital education is considered a significant part of education policy and has delivered clear , consistent and positive results in terms of availability , access and quality across the union;


### 3. notes , however , that delivering the plan effectively depends on coordination across a broad range of programmes; calls on the commission to ensure effective synergies between these programmes; ### 3. notes , however , that delivering the plan effectively depends on coordination across a broad range of programmes and between the member states; calls on the commission to ensure effective synergies between these programmes and to avoid overlap between the different national and european policies in this area;


### 3. notes , however , that delivering the plan effectively depends on coordination across a broad range of programmes; calls on the commission to ensure effective synergies between these programmes; ### 3. notes , however , that delivering the plan effectively depends on coordination across a broad range of programmes; calls on the commission to ensure effective synergies between these programmes , while respecting the limits of subsidiarity in this regard;


### 4. points to the importance of the ‘connect’ and ‘reskill and upskill’ flagship investment priorities in the recovery and resilience facility for driving the digital education agenda; calls for 10 % of the facility’s funding to be allocated to education and encourages the member states to increase their education funding; ### 4. points to the importance of the ‘connect’ and ‘reskill and upskill’ flagship investment priorities in the recovery and resilience facility for driving the digital education agenda; calls for a significant share of the facility’s funding to be allocated to education and encourages the member states to increase their education funding;