EU ministers to discuss worker consultation and participation in companies and the labour market

Ministers Tuula Haatainen and Thomas Blomqvist will participate in an informal video meeting of the EU employment and social affairs ministers on 13 October 2020. The main topics of the meeting will be consultation and support of workers in company restructurings and the equal participation of women and men in the labour market.

Companies and employees have had to adapt rapidly to the changes caused by the coronavirus pandemic, digitalisation and the transition to a green economy. EU employment ministers will discuss which measures could be taken at EU or national level to protect workers’ right to information and consultation in restructurings. The meeting will also explore the issue of improving the skills of workers through national and EU structural funds.

“A timely consultation of workers will help them to plan their lives in the midst of changes. Workers need special support during the coronavirus crisis. Finland invests in the development and maintenance of skills with both national and EU funds. We need strong cooperation between workers and employers at all levels – in the EU, nationally and at the workplace,” Minister of Employment Tuula Haatainen says.

Coronavirus crisis has increased the need to promote equality in working life

Another theme of the meeting is gender equality in the labour market. The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted shortcomings in equal participation in the EU. In addition, paid work and unpaid care work are unevenly distributed.

“Promoting gender equality requires long-term work, both in terms of legislation and policy measures. The adoption of the EU Gender Equality Strategy earlier this year is an important step in advancing gender equality across the EU. The Finnish Government’s strong commitment to promoting gender equality in all circumstances is reflected in the Government Action Plan for Gender Equality, which was adopted in June,” says Minister for Nordic Cooperation and Equality Thomas Blomqvist.

The video meeting of the EU ministers of employment and social affairs will replace the official meeting of the Council of Ministers for Employment and Social Affairs. No decisions will be made at the informal meeting.

Inquiries:

Jenni Karjalainen, Special Adviser to the Minister of Employment, tel. +358 40 751 5496
Liisa Heinonen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 50 396 0605
Anna Abrahamsson, Special Adviser to the Minister for Nordic Cooperation and Equality, tel. +358 295 150 029
Eeva Raevaara, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, tel. +358 50 565 8908