EU: declaration to strengthen Social Europe gets almost unanimous backing European legislation On 1 January, the average annual increase in the minimum wage level in the 22 European Union member states with legal minimum wages was almost 11%. Although inflation slowed in all these countries in 2023, the minimum wage continued to rise, in some cases far outstripping increases in the cost of living.
EU: Parliament toughens up revision of European Works Councils Directive European legislation On 3 April, the European Parliament's Committee on Employment and Social Affairs adopted the parliamentary report on the proposed revision of the European Works Councils (EWC) Directive presented by the European Commission on 24 January. In particular, the text voted through by MEPs increases the penalties for non-compliance with the right to information and consultation and introduces the possibility of suspending decisions when this right has not been respected.
Réglementaire EU: employers air concerns to MEPs ahead of their review of the European Works Councils Directive European legislation Business Europe and five European sectoral employer federations wrote to MEPs on 22 March, asking them to water down the proposed revision of the European Works Council Directive,…
EU: launch of an action plan to tackle labour shortages European legislation On 20 March, the Commission presented an action plan to combat the labour and skills shortages that have become more acute over the last ten years in the Member States.…
Réglementaire EU: Commission proposes a new regulatory framework for traineeships European legislation On 20 March, the European Commission presented two texts aimed at strengthening the framework for traineeships in the workplace. The aim is to combat unpaid traineeships, however, placements that are part of a university course, vocational training or are compulsory for access to a given profession are not affected.
Réglementaire EU: Council adopts directive to protect whistleblowers European legislation The draft “anti-SLAPP” directive (strategic lawsuits against public participation) put forward by the European Commission to combat ‘gagging’ lawsuits was adopted by the Council of the EU on 19 March.…
Réglementaire EU: member states adopt watered-down due diligence directive at the last minute European legislation After the texts on non-financial reporting (CSRD) and forced labour, the EU will complete its regulatory framework on CSR with a directive on corporate sustainability due diligence. The text adopted by member states, which has been watered down further, now only requires formal adoption by the European Parliament and Council, expected at the end of April.
Réglementaire EU: Parliament adopts new rules to facilitate legal labour immigration European legislation The European Parliament today adopted new rules on obtaining a single permit (combined work and residence permit) for third-country nationals. These amend the 2011 directive to make it easier for foreign workers to enter the European Union legally and enable businesses to find the skills they need.…
Réglementaire Technologies EU: platform workers directive gets green light European legislation The Council of the EU has adopted the directive on platform workers, despite the lack of backing from France and Germany, marking the end of a long legislative soap opera. The text, which is yet to be definitively approved, could pave the way for massive wage reclassifications for millions of workers in false self-employment. It also sets the first standards for algorithmic management.
Réglementaire EU: Belgian Presidency presents last-ditch text on due diligence European legislation Following the refusal of France, Italy and Germany to vote on the proposed corporate sustainability due diligence directive, it was not put to the vote on 28 February.…