Free movement: exercise of rights conferred to workers

EESC opinion: Free movement: exercise of rights conferred to workers

Key points

  • The free movement of workers in Europe must continue to be a political priority for the EU. The Committee considers that the directive will contribute to fair and balanced mobility.
  • The EESC supports the Commission's proposal for a directive, which will facilitate equal treatment and non-discrimination on grounds of nationality for European workers exercising the right to free movement. Other obstacles to mobility persist, however, as the Committee has pointed out in other opinions.
  • The EESC supports the objectives of the directive, such as the defence of rights derived from the principle of equal treatment of workers and members of their families in terms of employment and various social rights by means of administrative and judicial procedures. The Committee appreciates the fact that the implementation of the directive in national law will respect national legal procedures and practices.
  • Workers should have a specific right to advice. The relevant advice facilities should work closely with the social partners and EURES, ensuring that mobile workers are informed about social and legal conditions in the host countries before they leave their countries of origin.
  • The EESC is in favour of the establishment of information and advice services on the exercise of freedom of movement and mobility to assist workers and employers.
  • The EESC supports the Commission's efforts to modify and expand the role of EURES in order to facilitate mobility and improve the match between skills and labour market needs.