The socialists in the EP: Workers rights should become a priority for Europe

“Work is the backbone of a social Europe, but today millions of workers are under pressure, with frozen wages, rising living costs and insecure jobs. Urgent action is needed for a Europe that leaves nobody at risk.” This call on the European Commission to make workers rights a main priority was made by the Group of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament in a declaration adopted at a meeting in Croatia. Bulgarian socialist MEP Kristian Vigenin also took part in it.

Among the main demands of the S&D are decent wages, better working conditions and security, protection of workers in the digital age and a just transition in the green transformation. The group insists that public procurement and European funds be tied to respect for labour rights.

The declaration also puts an emphasis on lifelong learning, equal rights for migrant workers through the introduction of a European Social Security Pass, and on the role of the trade unions. In the view of the socialists, at least 80% of workers in the EU should be covered by collective agreements.

“Europe has to put people above profit. Together with the trade unions we will guarantee that no worker is left behind,” the group said.