On May 28, the Lithuanian Industry Trade Union Federation addressed Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from Lithuania regarding the European Union’s Clean Industry Deal, which will soon be discussed in the EP Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE).
“As a trade union organization representing industrial workers, we ask you to ensure that any public support or funding—including state aid and public procurement—is strictly tied to social conditions that guarantee the continuity of industrial production and high-quality jobs in Europe,” the statement reads.
The statement emphasizes that the importance of social conditions was clearly acknowledged in the Antwerp Declaration, which calls for a strong public funding chapter in the Clean Industry Deal, with commitments to creating and maintaining quality jobs.
In addition, recent European Commission communications have raised the idea that EU budget funds should be used not only based on price criteria, but also to support innovation, sustainability, social well-being, and job quality.
The letter urges MEPs to:
Demand concrete commitments on social conditions related to any public support—from public procurement to EU funds or the promotion of private investment;
Clearly define social guarantees, including job retention in Europe, company participation in collective bargaining, and mechanisms for information and consultation with workers’ representatives and trade unions;
Require that these guarantees be mandatory, with provisions for the return of funds in case of non-compliance;
Emphasize that social guarantees are not a burden, but a factor of long-term competitiveness, helping to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce in European industry.
“Europe cannot take part in a race to the bottom at the expense of workers. Our competitiveness must be based on European values—social justice, quality work, and workers’ dignity,” the document concludes.