The Commission Work Programme focuses further on growth and jobs
The Commission published its new Work Programme for 2016 on 27 October 2015 setting out 23 key initiatives across the Commission’s 10 political priorities. Eurocadres, representing professional and managerial staff, is pleased to see that there are a number of interesting areas for our members.
We are especially happy to see that there is a Skills Agenda aimed at investing in people by training and education, highlighting the changing workplaces and the need for digital skills. We hope that the Digital Agenda will cover the structural labour market changes.
Therefore, we call for just transition and the deeper involvement of the social partners in this area. We have to take into account the effects of the new trend of sharing economies as well as jobs not being bound to time and place with the help of digitalisation.
We have to take into account the effects of the new trend of sharing economies as well as jobs not being bound to time and place with the help of digitalisation.
The current labour markets see a change in working methods and more need for flexibility. Therefore, the Commission’s aim to focus on work-life balance of working families is especially welcomed. We need more women in the labour market, as many drop out after having children or enter into part-time work, risking lower pensions in the future.
A balanced parental leave and flexible working arrangements are part of this puzzle. We are interested to know, however, what the legislative initiatives in this field will be.
The Labour Mobility is of significant importance to Eurocadres. However, we regret that the Commission only aims at focusing on social security issues and a review on the Posting of Workers Directive in its Package.
There are many other important factors, such as the recognition of qualifications, skills mismatch and the European Professional Card that are essential when talking about labour mobility. We are therefore happy to see that mutual recognition will be addressed as part of the New Skills Agenda for Europe.
Recognition of qualifications, skills mismatch and the European Professional Card are essential when talking about labour mobility.
We look forward to the Commission’s aim to work more closely with the social partners. Especially as the Commission aims to bring up social policy legislation and flexicurity. We all agree that Europe needs more growth and jobs.