On Wednesday, 5 March, Finland’s Li Andersson (The Left), who chairs the Employment and Social Affairs Committee (EMPL) in the European Parliament, welcomed the ‘Union of Skills’ that the European Commission had proposed that same day (see EUROPE 13593/18) but lamented the lack of legislation on the social aspect [of the issue].
“For the EU to remain competitive, we need people with basic skills and need to retain the talents we have, which is why I consider the Union of Skills’ focus on up- and re-skilling essential”, she stated.
“There is no competitive European Union without strong commitments to its social dimension, and we need clear and binding targets prioritising the well-being of all workers”, she declared.
She thus laments the lack of legislative proposals regarding the social dimension of the EU and improving skills in the EU. She notably calls for legislation on artificial intelligence in the workplace.
Alongside her, German EPP member Dennis Radtke commented, “To master the green and digital transition, we need people who can shape it. Involving the social partners is crucial to develop targeted training that meets the real needs of businesses and workers.”
At the organisational level, BusinessEurope, a confederation of businesses, felt, “Addressing the skills and labour shortages that are holding companies back is central to a successful industrial strategy and creating quality jobs. [...] We are pleased to see a focus on strengthening skills attainment at all levels of education—from basic skills to science, mathematics, technology, and engineering [STEM].”
For the rail industry—which was represented by UNIFE—the “much-needed” plan “is a step in the right direction [for] reducing skills shortages; however, more will be required to ensure the European Rail Supply Industry can attract, train, and support women and young people going forward.”
For her part, Martha Schultz, Eurochambres vice-president and chair of its Skills Committee, commented, “We are ready to work with the Commission to build a future-ready Union of Skills. Actively involving chambers in its design and implementation will leverage our role as bridges between education and employers.” (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)