On 20 October, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and other European trade union organisations held a rally in Strasbourg in support of quality jobs and workers’ rights. Trade union representatives from across Europe took part, calling for Europe’s competitiveness not to come at the expense of workers’ rights and social protections.
Following the protest, discussions continued at the European Parliament, where Lithuanian trade union representatives met with Members of the European Parliament representing Lithuania: Vilija Blinkevičiūtė, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Aurelijus Veryga and Virginijus Sinkevičius.
The meeting conveyed a clear message: economic growth and a more favourable business environment must go hand in hand with quality jobs, adequate worker protection and strong worker representation.
“EU Inc.” – What Could It Mean for Workers?
One of the key topics discussed was the proposed European company framework known as “EU Inc.”, also referred to as the 28th regime, and its potential impact on workers’ rights.
The initiative aims to simplify business operations across the European Union. However, trade unions stress that such changes must not create opportunities to circumvent national labour law requirements, weaken collective bargaining or undermine worker protection.
The discussion focused in particular on the following issues:
- Workers’ rights to participate in company decision-making and guarantees for worker representation.
- Safeguarding national worker protection requirements to ensure that companies cannot use their choice of registration or business structure to avoid these obligations.
- Protecting collective agreements, fair wages and social guarantees.
- Preventing the creation of shell companies and the abuse of subcontracting arrangements.
- Promoting quality jobs and protecting workers across all economic sectors.
The trade unions’ position is clear: simplifying business operations in Europe must go hand in hand with safeguarding workers’ rights. Changes to business structures must not become a means of avoiding responsibility for working conditions and workers’ entitlements.
Quality Jobs – A Priority for Europe’s Future
Quality jobs, workers’ rights and social justice must be integral to Europe’s future. It is therefore essential that workers’ voices are heard not only at national level but also at EU level, and that decisions take into account not only business needs but also the interests of the people who create economic value.
The Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation (LPSK) delegation in Strasbourg comprised representatives of the Lithuanian Food Producers’ Trade Union and the Achema Employees’ Trade Union. Together with representatives of the Lithuanian Trade Union “Solidarumas” and other European trade union organisations, they took part in the joint action and sought to draw European decision-makers’ attention to issues affecting workers.
