Investing in working conditions and quality jobs

Yesterday (28th April) the European Youth Forum spoke at a conference on working conditions organised by the European Commission to reflect on what has been achieved in terms of working conditions and on the way forward. The latest Eurobarometer report, published last week, shows that much more has to be done to improve working conditions and give people the right to access to quality jobs.
This conference gathered Commissioner Andor, Ministers and senior officials from EU countries, representatives of EU institutions and bodies, the ILO, representatives of employers and trade unions, academics and practitioners from all over the European Union.
The Youth Forum was speaking on the panel, which focused on the Quality Framework for Traineeships. Quality internships and apprenticeships are an invaluable stepping-stone in the transition from education to quality employment. The Youth Forum had the opportunity to stress its disappointment at the Council Recommendation adopted in March this year and the continued need for ensuring labour rights of interns, though fair reimbursement or remuneration as stated in a clear regulatory framework on the national level.
Indeed in Europe the situation is critical for interns, as well as for workers. The Eurobarometer study on working conditions released on XX April clearly demonstrates that the financial and economic crisis and the political choice of austerity measures is leading to an increasing pressure on employers and a deterioration of the working conditions.
For instance, work related mental health issues are a cause for concern for the majority of the European workforce and only 53% of the respondents say that working conditions in their country are good. Some countries have also been hit harder: in Greece, fewer than half respondents are satisfied with their working conditions.
Therefore, six years after the beginning of the crisis, it is vital and urgent that investment is made at the European level in creating good quality, sustainable jobs to protect and improve working conditions, in order to achieve more inclusive growth. This is essential to overcome the crisis but also for the benefit of society as a whole. The Youth Forum will continue to advocate for the right to quality jobs and quality internships all accross Europe.
Read more:
Link to conference
Our publication on “Quality jobs for young people”
Our publication “Youth guarantee and the youth organisations”
4 delegates from the following member organisations:  CTR, NJR, Alliansi and CNJC were also attending to the conference.