Workers - GR II

Through this Own-Initiative Opinion proposed by its Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law Group, the EESC expresses its deep concern regarding the way COVID-19 has impacted the life, safety, welfare and dignity of all of the people living in the EU and worldwide. The EESC recalls that the EU is based on common European values which are non-negotiable under any circumstances. Therefore, special measures to address the COVID-19 crisis should remain exceptional and time-limited and should not go against the rule of law or endanger democracy, the separation of powers and the fundamental rights of European inhabitants. The EESC insists on the importance of checks and balances like parliaments, independent judiciaries, and civil society in ensuring balances responses. It calls for an inclusive recovery process leaving no one behind and fostering participation, democracy and the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights.

This exploratory opinion, requested by the French Presidency of the EU, has the following objectives:

• Indicate how quality social dialogue could strengthen the prevention of accidents at work and occupational diseases;
• Identify the specific actions that need to be taken to ensure effective implementation of Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) measures;
• Describe the conditions for the concrete involvement of the social partners in OSH measures
• Provide tools to support those involved in social dialogue in order to improve the management of health issues at work in regions and businesses;
• Provide measures to strengthen social dialogue in OSH policies accordingly.

The opinion will help facilitating the implementation of the Commission’s new strategic framework and EU OSH legislation.