Magdalena Valerio, who has intervened in Brussels in the Council of Ministers of Employment and Social Policy of the European Union (EPSSCO), stressed the need to move forward with the proposals that the new European Commission will implement, among which a minimum wage system for all workers in the European Union and measures to protect those who suffer a more precarious situation in the labor market, especially on digital platforms.
In order to complete European Social Law with measures that protect and offer opportunities to working people, the Minister has mentioned the fight against precariousness in outsourcing and working hours, establishing rights associated with digitalization at European level and defending high levels of protection of occupational safety and health and effective access to social protection.
In the opinion of the head of Labor, Migration and Social Security, it is important to form a European Union Program for Decent Work and that the future Action Plan for the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights includes concrete lines of work to make real and effective those rights. In that sense, he has ensured that the European Labor Authority will be a valuable instrument to complete the European social model and promote upward social convergence.
The Minister of Labor, Migration and Social Security has not forgotten to mention the decisive role of social dialogue and stressed that "economic growth has to be inclusive and strengthen social cohesion, reducing inequality and leaving no one behind." "Putting the economy at the service of people is essential to maintain the trust of society in European institutions," said Magdalena Valerio.
European gender equality policies
Magdalena Valerio has also intervened in the debate on the future of European gender equality policies, in which she reiterated that gender equality must be one of the fundamental objectives of the EU and, in particular, of the European Pillar of Rights Social.
The minister recalled the measures in favor of equality adopted by the Government last March, highlighting initiatives on transparency of salary, the gradual equalization of maternity and paternity leave, conciliation policies through the recognition of the right to the adaptation of working hours or the obligatory nature of equality plans in companies with more than 50 workers.
The Gender Equality Strategy, which the European Commission has committed to present, must guarantee – according to Magdalena Valerio – the transversal gender perspective in all EU policies, as well as the promotion of specific measures to close gender gaps , focused on gender-based violence, on the promotion of greater participation and visibility of women in decision-making and greater economic independence.
Health and Safety at Work
In her intervention on the EU strategic framework for Health and Safety at Work, the head of Labor, Migration and Social Security has opted for an ambitious community strategy in this area for the period 2021-2027.
After recalling that occupational safety and health is an indispensable component of decent work, the minister pointed out that the future European strategy must include the adoption of an action plan to strengthen compliance with the social acquis and the reduction of occupational accidents. work and occupational diseases; and the identification of challenges such as psychosocial risks, musculoskeletal disorders or harassment and violence at work, linked to digitalization, artificial intelligence, population aging, climate change or greater participation of women in the labor market.
Inclusive labor markets
The Council of Ministers of Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs of the European Union (EPSSCO) has also held a political debate on inclusive labor markets, focused on improving the employment of people in situations of vulnerability in the labor market.
The conclusions document invites the Member States, the European Commission and the Employment and Social Protection Committees to continue carrying out inclusive, comprehensive and active labor market policies that serve the most vulnerable, for access to employment, its retention and its adaptation to the changing needs of the world of work, paying special attention to rural areas and without forgetting the gender perspective.
The Minister of Labor, Migration and Social Security, Magdalena Valerio, has also participated in two bilateral meetings with her counterparts in Croatia and Portugal.