From 5 to 8 September 2024 took place in Brussels / Belgium a seminar about “A young perspective on equal opportunities: How much is there to Europe's great values?”, organized by JOC Europe (Jeunesse Ouvrière Chrétienne - Europe), in cooperation with EZA and funded by the European Union. 15 representatives of workers’ organisations from Germany, Spain and Belgium participated in the seminar.
The most important aspect of the JOC Europe seminar was the critical examination of equal opportunities in Europe, particularly in the areas of youth discrimination, LGBT+ rights, gender inequality, and racism at the workplace and access to the labor market. The participants engaged in discussions that led to concrete demands. The seminar made clear that these groups face multiple challenges, and their inclusion in policy making and social dialogue are vital for a just and equal Europe.
The seminar was held at a crucial time, as social dialogue in Europe is increasingly focusing on inclusivity and fairness. Marginalized groups continue to face discrimination in the workplace, gender pay gaps, and precarious employment conditions. The seminar connected EU policy measures and initiatives to the realities faced by young people today. This alignment between European legislation and the lived experiences of participants reinforced the urgent need for inclusive social dialogue that directly addresses the inequalities faced by marginalized groups.
The following topics were discussed:
-Youth Discrimination in Employment: Discussions on the need for fair wages, protection from exploitation, and the fight against unpaid internships.
-LGBT+ Rights in the Workplace: Exploring discrimination in employment and the need for better legal protections.
-Gender Inequality in the Workforce: The seminar addressed unequal pay, limited career progression, and the necessity for trade unions to support gender equality.
-The Impact of Colonialism on Racism Today: Through a decolonial tour of Brussels, participants examined how historical colonial practices still influence current social inequalities and racism.
These discussions were deeply connected to European values of equality and justice, aligning with legislative efforts like the Youth Guarantee, which seeks to provide young people with quality employment, and the Platform Work Directive, aimed at improving the working conditions of platform workers.
Seminar Results and demands
Participants highlighted the urgent need for better protections for young workers, particularly in the gig economy and platform-based jobs. Discussions on LGBT+ rights in the workplace also underscored the need for inclusive policies and anti-discrimination measures in line with European legal frameworks, with participants calling for more supportive environments for marginalized workers.
Gender equality was another central topic, with a focus on the need for equal pay for women, fair career progression, and the inclusion of gender-sensitive workplace policies. Participants urged trade unions to take an active role in promoting these changes and advocating for the equal treatment of all genders at work.
The seminar resulted in several concrete demands. Participants called for the enforcement of the Youth Guarantee to ensure young workers have access to decent job opportunities, especially in underrepresented sectors. They also demanded the strengthening of workers' rights in platform jobs, ensuring companies comply with fair wage policies and protections. There was also a push for trade unions to advocate more for LGBT+ rights within workplaces and ensure marginalized groups are included in collective bargaining processes.
Furthermore, the seminar emphasized the need for the European Union to strengthen equal pay legislation and ensure its full enforcement across all member states. Participants advocated for increased public investment in youth employment and housing to enhance living standards, with a focus on long-term benefits for future generations. The demands centered on creating social policies that address the ongoing challenges of inequality and discrimination in Europe.
Consequences for Daily Work
The movements will continue to push for the full implementation of European policies, such as the Youth Guarantee and Platform Work Directive, while advocating for greater involvement in social dialogue at national and European levels.
Trade unions are called upon to increase their representation of marginalized groups and actively promote anti-discrimination measures in the workplace. The participants also committed to collaborating more closely with unions to ensure that the issues of young workers, women, and LGBT+ individuals are included in future negotiations.
The JOC movements will focus on public awareness campaigns around youth discrimination, gender equality, and workplace inclusivity, aiming to influence both policy and public opinion in their respective countries.