On Wednesday 20 October in a video conference, the EU Tripartite Social Summit saw a convergence of views between social partners over the importance of the European Recovery Plan and investment in the green and digital transition, as well as the need to improve social dialogue at European and national levels.
While the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, both insisted on the crucial role of social partners in the implementation of the European Post-Pandemic Recovery Plan and in the dual green and digital transition, the social partners appeared to be rather cautious.
For example, Pierre Gattaz, President of BusinessEurope, the association of European employers, was regretful that the social partners had not been properly consulted at the stage at which national recovery and resilience plans were being prepared. Like the regional and local authorities (see EUROPE 12811/13), he hoped that this would be rectified during the implementation of the national plans. In a similar way, Luca Visentini, President of the European Trade Union Confederation, agreed: “Too often Social Partners’ involvement is too poor, particularly at national level, too often trade unions are under attack from illiberal governments”.
Regarding concerns and other worries, Mr Gattaz highlighted the issue of energy prices, but preferred to leave the matter to the market instead of state intervention. Alban Maggiar, President of SMEunited, also insisted that energy prices be lowered and that the issue surrounding raw material shortages should be tackled. He believes that energy taxes should be temporarily reduced and that unfair competition practices should be dealt with.
Mr Visentini, for his part, emphasised the importance of concluding negotiations as soon as possible on those legislative initiatives that concern the minimum wage and transparency of payments. He urged the European Commission to move forward as soon as possible over the issue of digital platforms and the legislative initiative on due diligence. SGIeurope, which represents employers of general interest services, emphasised the importance of improving the welfare state. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)