How to ensure decent work and job quality for essential workers

The COVID-19 pandemic put the spotlight on groups of workers crucial to the functioning of our societies. Many of those, known as essential workers, experience several difficulties, including insufficient pay, precarious contracts, long or very short working hours and psychosocial risks. At the same time, they work in sectors which are experiencing acute labour shortages. The improvement of their working conditions is crucial for building EU’s economic and social resilience to future shocks and the risk of polycrisis.

Following an introduction by Nicolas Schmit, EU Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, and Alicia Homs Ginel MEP, Vice-Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, this timely event was an opportunity to hear both a global and a European perspective from the ILO and Eurofound drawing on their latest findings from the ILO’s World Employment and Social Outlook 2023 - 'The value of essential work', and Eurofound’s policy brief on 'Job quality of COVID-19 pandemic essential workers.'

Moderated by Journalist Shona Murray, a panel of social partners from 'essential' sectors  provided a platform for an exchange and discussion about the main challenges they are currently facing, and how they are preparing for the future. The event brought together EU policymakers, interest groups and social partners. See the photo gallery.

Presentations are available below.

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Programme