Having decided not to sign the Porto Declaration (see EUROPE 13707/28), the representatives of the European Parliament’s Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) will not be attending the Porto Social Forum, which aims to take stock of social progress in the EU since 2021 and is being organised on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 September by the Portuguese government and the European Commission, Agence Europe learned on Monday 15 September.
Last week, the EMPL committee coordinators deplored their exclusion from the drafting of the final declaration, which they consider to have been revised downwards. A new version, dated 14 September, strengthens the language somewhat and clarifies the expected initiatives, such as the ‘roadmap’ on quality jobs.
While there have been rumours that the Commission may address the right to disconnect, algorithmic work management and psychosocial risks in a single piece of legislation, the latest version states that jobs must offer fair pay, safe and healthy working conditions, “including in relation to mental health, workplace wellbeing and work-life balance”, equal opportunities, access to lifelong learning, vocational guidance, collective bargaining and effective social protection.
The text is also developed on future initiatives on the fair mobility of workers.
These initiatives will have to guarantee equal treatment and protection for all workers, “improve information provision for workers and employers”, facilitate the portability of skills and “the recognition of professional qualifications”, and guarantee a level playing field for businesses, “including companies with social impact”.
The text also calls for the European Labour Authority to be strengthened and for greater investment in digital tools “for simplification and to lower the administrative burden and improve enforcement, and combat abusive practices”.
The wording has also been amended for people with disabilities. The draft declaration says: “We also look forward to an ambitious second phase of the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, including new initiatives meant to promote the employment of people with disabilities and ensure their full inclusion in our societies.” (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)