Sustainable competitiveness: a workers' perspective

By the EESC Workers' Group

Sustainable competitiveness might sound like the latest Brussels buzzword. However, this is far from the truth. Competitiveness is generally seen as the flagship of employers, arguing for favourable business environments where companies can thrive. Needless to say, thriving companies are a goal that workers very much share.

Where does the sustainable part come in then? A competitive edge can be obtained in many different ways. A company can be more efficient, can innovate in its production methods, help develop better technology, train and improve the conditions of staff. Or, it could outcompete its rivals by exploiting gaps in legislation, polluting the environment, or finding ways of paying less to its employees – you might have heard of the platform economy.

Sustainable competitiveness is therefore a key priority for workers and citizens at large: it ensures that competitiveness is a process that improves society, rather than a race to the bottom. It is better for everyone in the long run, as everyone has – so far – the need for a planet. And it is in the interest of employers, too: not only does it helps them have environmental and social stability, it also encourages fair competition and respects the work of honest companies.