Proclamation of the European Pillar of Social Rights

The Workers' Group welcomes the proclamation of the European Pillar of Social Rights at the Social Summit in Gothenburg, demonstrating a clear political commitment by the Member States to advancing social rights in Europe. Work to make this a reality must start now!

The proclamation is merely a first step towards renovating the 'House of Social Europe', which has been badly neglected in recent times. It must now be renovated to build a better Europe for working people. The EESC Workers' Group calls on the European Commission to:

  • present a clear road map for the implementation of the Pillar to help foster convergence and achieve its objectives – this should also set out how it will involve organised civil society and the social partners in the implementation of the Pillar's objectives;
  • launch a structured discussion on how to achieve better convergence, for example of wages in the EU and the adoption of a common approach to minimum wage policy, with full respect for the autonomy of social partners. The EU should adopt a target of minimum wages of no less than 60% of national median or average wage and move towards a living wage;
  • begin systematically changing the design of the EU semester into an economic and social semester, including collecting data and giving recommendations on the coverage of collective bargaining throughout Europe, and strengthening social dialogue;
  • present a framework directive on minimum income to make sure that every citizen has social protection.

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