In-person event

How to ensure decent work and job quality for essential workers

On 10 October 2023, Eurofound and the International Labour Organization (ILO) jointly hosted a half-day, in-person event in Brussels on 'How to ensure decent work and job quality for essential workers'.

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How to ensure decent work and job quality for essential workers

When?

Tuesday, 10 October 2023

Where?

Thon Hotel, rue de la Loi 75, B-1040 Brussels, BE

Organised by

Eurofound and the International Labour Organization (ILO)

Event background

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.

Presentation - The value of essential work: World Employment and Social Outlook 2023

PDF document

Presentation - Job quality of COVID-19 pandemic essential workers

PDF document

Watch the video

Programme

Time	Description
09:30	Registration and coffee
10:00	Welcome by Shona Murray, Journalist Introductory remarks Ivailo Kalfin, Executive Director Eurofound Lieve Verboven, Director ILO Office for the EU and the Benelux countries
10:15	Opening remarks by Nicolas Schmit, EU Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights
10:35	Scene-setter Alicia Homs Ginel MEP, Vice-Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Employment and Social Affairs
10:45	Presentation by Eurofound and ILO experts: Janine Berg, Senior Economist, International Labour Organization (ILO) Jorge Cabrita, Research Manager, Eurofound
11:15	Discussion with social partner panel, moderated by Shona Murray, Journalist The role of social dialogue in ensuring decent work and job quality for essential workers: Marta Branca, Secretary General, European Hospital and Healthcare Employers’ Association (HOSPEEM) Adam Rogalewski, Policy Officer - Health and Social Services, European Public Service Union (EPSU ) Matteo Matarazzo, Director General, European Cleaning and Facility Services Industry (EFCI) Mark Bergfeld, Director of Property Services & UNICARE at UNI Global Union
11:45	Q&A with the audience moderated by Shona Murray, Journalist
12:05	Key takeaway points from panellists
12:15	Wrap-up by moderator and closing
12:20-30	End of event - Networking lunch