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Friday, 29.03.2024, 12:14
Estonian minister: Europe must adapt to changes on labor market
"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.