Industrial relations and social dialogue

Role of social partners in tackling discrimination at work

Customised report
Published
31 August 2020
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Author(s): 
Weber, Tina; Cerf, Catherine

Sejbiet ewlenin

  • Recent EU-level surveys point to a reported increase in the incidence of workplace discrimination. In the period 2005–2015, the European Working Conditions Survey shows an increase from 5% to 7% of workers reporting that they have been subjected to workplace discrimination.
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  • Recent EU-level surveys point to a reported increase in the incidence of workplace discrimination. In the period 2005–2015, the European Working Conditions Survey shows an increase from 5% to 7% of workers reporting that they have been subjected to workplace discrimination.
  • Age discrimination experienced by both younger and older workers tends to be the most prevalent form, but discrimination on the grounds of disability and unequal treatment based on race and ethnicity are also common, particularly in recruitment processes.
  • The main challenges to be addressed to tackle workplace discrimination are: the persistence of stereotypes, low awareness of rights and obligations on the part of employers and workers, and inadequate enforcement of existing non-discrimination regulations.
  • In most countries, tackling workplace discrimination is seen to be high on the agenda of the social partners. This is particularly true for age, disability and race discrimination. The issue of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity has been highlighted in recent years.
  • Actions on the part of the social partners aimed at reducing workplace discrimination include influencing legislation and policymaking, monitoring workplace practices and supporting affected workers, drafting guidelines and reaching collective agreements on the issue.
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Sommarju

This report assesses the role of the social partners in tackling workplace discrimination. Against the background of EU and national anti-discrimination legislation, it highlights the extent to which the need to tackle discrimination on different grounds is on the radar of cross-sectoral social pRead more

This report assesses the role of the social partners in tackling workplace discrimination. Against the background of EU and national anti-discrimination legislation, it highlights the extent to which the need to tackle discrimination on different grounds is on the radar of cross-sectoral social partners. It also provides an overview of the measures taken to deal with the persistent incidence of discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, race or ethnic origin, religion or belief, and sexual orientation or gender identity.

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Formats

  • Report

    Number of pages: 
    64
    Reference no.: 
    EF20011
    ISBN: 
    978-92-897-2104-2
    Catalogue no.: 
    TJ-04-20-431-EN-N
    DOI: 
    10.2806/718
    Permalink: 
    eurofound.link/ef20011
    Catalogue info

    Role of social partners in tackling discrimination at work

    Author(s): 
    Weber, Tina; Cerf, Catherine
    Produced at the request of the European Commission in the context of the preparation of a Commission report on the implementation of Directives 2000/43/EC and 2000/78/EC.
    Topics: 
    Social partners; Discrimination at work; Industrial relations and social dialogue; Industrial relations

    Formats

    Cite this publication: 

    Eurofound (2020), Role of social partners in tackling discrimination at work, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

  • Tables and graphs

    This report contains the following listing of tables and figures.

    List of tables

    • Table 1: Extent to which discrimination is perceived as being ‘widespread’ in society in the EU27 and the UK (%)
    • Table 2: Perceptions of tensions between different social groups, EU27 and the UK, 2007, 2011 and 2016 (%)
    • Table 3: Trends in workplace discrimination on different grounds over the last five years
    • Table 4: Actions by cross-sectoral social partners aimed at tackling workplace discrimination, 2015–2020
    • Table 5: Level and nature of involvement of social partners in policymaking (with specific emphasis on European Semester process)
    • Table 6: Reasons why cross-industry social partners do not take action in relation to workplace discrimination on different grounds

    List of figures

    • Figure 1: Types of social partner actions to tackle workplace discrimination (number of countries)  
    • Figure 2: Trends in perceptions of discrimination in wider society, EU27 and the UK, 2012, 2015 and 2019 (%)
    • Figure 3: Status regarding workplace discrimination at national level (number of countries)  
    • Figure 4: Different grounds of discrimination on the radar of the social partners
    • Figure 5: Different types of social partner activities to tackle workplace discrimination (number of countries)

Research carried out prior to the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union on 31 January 2020, and published subsequently, may include data relating to the 28 EU Member States. Following this date, research only takes into account the 27 EU Member States (EU28 minus the UK), unless specified otherwise.

This report presents the results of research conducted prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Europe in February 2020. For this reason, the results do not take account of the outbreak.

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