Analytics, Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Labour-market, Legislation, Markets and Companies

International Internet Magazine. Baltic States news & analytics Friday, 29.03.2024, 12:14

Estonian minister: Europe must adapt to changes on labor market

BC, Tallinn, 14.07.2017.Print version
Europe must rapidly adapt to changes in the economy and the labor market, Estonia's Minister of Health and Labor Jevgeni Ossinovski said in his speech before the European Parliament's Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) in Brussels on July 13th, cites LETA/BNS.

"Our priority is inclusive and sustainable Europe, which supports the movement of labor and offers all its residents equal opportunities. We wish to make a contribution to developing an innovative and digital Europe, and to developing it in all fields," Ossinovski said according to spokespeople for the Ministry of Social Affairs.

 

The minister presented the main themes and goals of the Estonian presidency of the EU Council and answered MEPs' questions.

 

The key themes in the field of labor are the free movement of employees, equal opportunities, and developments of the labor market.

 

During the Estonian presidency the European social pillar, which deals with the 20 basic social rights of the people, such as equal opportunities, access to the labor market, just work conditions and social protection, will be under discussion. Estonia is planning to achieve the endorsement of the pillar by the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission within the second half of this year.

 

As another important topic, the Estonian presidency will address the updating of labor laws when it comes to posted employees. "We also wish to reach agreement during the presidency on how to ensure the rights of posted workers on the one hand, and the freedom of companies to offer their services on the common market of the European Union on the other," Ossinovski said.

 

The wish is to reach agreement on amendments to the posted workers directive at the Council of ministers of labor and social affairs taking place in October. The main change has to do with the rates of remuneration that posted workers are entitled to. According to the draft, the remuneration must include not only the minimum rate of pay as is the case now, but also other kinds of remuneration such as premiums.

 

During the Estonian presidency the first discussions will be held also on the directive on work-life balance proposed by the European Commission. "We must ensure equal conditions for everyone on the labor market. The measures which favor the sharing of the burden of caring between two parents are equally important to give better possibilities to participate in work life to women and in family life to men," the minister said.

 

EU health ministers will discuss the topic of work-life balance at an informal meeting in Tallinn on July 20-21. On Sept. 13-14, matters related to new froms of work will be dealt with at a conference titled "Future of Work: Making IT E-easy" here.

 

Minister of Health and Labor Jevgeni Ossinovski and Minister of Social Protection Kaia Iva were in Brussels from July 11-13 to present the Estonian presidency priorities for health, labor and social policies.






Search site