We will make sure that concrete action follows, with a comprehensive Social Action Plan that will not let the pillar of social rights be simply forgotten as time passes.
Meeting in Brussels ahead of the EU Council of Ministers later today, ministers also discussed the imminent reform of the posted workers directive and the social dimension of the Economic and Monetary Union.
Nicolas Schmit, chair of the PES EPSCO ministers’ network, said:
“A successful revision of the Posting of Workers Directive has never been so close as it is today. If the revision is successful, this will be a result of which we can be rightly proud.
“But this is only one element of Europe’s new social dimension. If the pillar of social rights is to have a real effect and improve citizens’ lives, we need not just words but actions. That’s why we have proposed a detailed social action plan, with clear targets for wage increases, reducing the gender pay gap, establishing the right to disconnect and to access social protection for online workers, and a permanent and extended European Youth Guarantee.”
Also in attendance at the meeting were:
- Evarist Bartolo, Minister for Education and Employment, Malta
- Miguel Cabrita, Secretary of State of Employment, Portugal
- Peter Pogačar, State Secretary, Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Slovenia
- Maria João Rodrigues, Vice-President of the S&D Group in the European Parliament
- Agnes Jongerius, Vice-Chair EMPL Committee, S&D Group in the European Parliament
- Pervenche Berès, Chair of the Social Europe Network, PES
- Luca Visentini, Secretary General, ETUC
