Could Von der Leyen's second term jeopardise the EU's advancements in labour and social rights

The recent announcement by President Ursula von der Leyen regarding a new portfolio for People, Skills, and Preparedness is stirring political unrest on multiple fronts. This shift marks the end of nearly 50 years of a dedicated employment and social policy portfolio, delivering a significant setback to advocates who have pushed for a stronger social dimension within the European Union to uphold high standards in working conditions and a comprehensive approach to social protection. The now-terminated commissioner portfolio for Jobs and Social Rights was established to safeguard the rights of individuals in the EU, ensuring access to some of the globe's most robust social protection and welfare systems as a fundamental component of the European Pillar of Social Rights.

Notably, this change follows the publication of Draghi's report , which stresses the need to reassess growth and competitiveness, potentially at the expense of an increasingly fragmented labour market and workforce, and with threatening side effects from health crises and war disruptions. It also comes after last summer's elections to the European Parliament, which saw a shift towards more conservative politics.

This change appears to be more than just a semantic adjustment; it signals an intent to alter the existing social and labour regulations. It contradicts President von der Leyen's stance in 2021, when she advocated for balancing innovation with social protection during the selection of her first mandate's College of Commissioners. Despite the positive inclusion of an algorithmic management initiative in the workplace, and the commitment to protect employees’ fundamental right to disconnect from work and mental health at work in Von der Leyen’s? mission letter addressed to Roxana M?nzatu, these agendas could be undermined in favour of a productive social market economy. Similarly, the crucial responsibilities associated with social rights and jobs, skills, and education—encompassing vital areas like digitalisation and occupational health and safety—may now be overshadowed by other urgent considerations that could prioritise the EU's productivity and competitiveness.

The newly acquired Commissioner responsibilities will be taking place at a critical time, ?running simultaneously with the final stage of the review of the practical implementation of EU occupational safety and health directives that is analysing how the economy and the labour market has evolved since the directives concerned were last updated. The outcome of this analysis will ultimately impact on the expected standards for health and safety and good working conditions.

This revised portfolio of skills and education, quality jobs and social rights poses significant concerns in light of a declining workforce and ongoing challenges in addressing skills shortages and reskilling needs or the working population. Established labour protections are eroding in the context of changes in the labour force and work patterns, while the rise of insecure, precarious, and low-paying jobs threatens many young workers across Europe. Furthermore, social dialogue and worker involvement are increasingly jeopardised in various Member States, potentially undermining the key role that the current Commission's Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs, and Inclusion (DG EMPL) has played in European affairs.

Ultimately, any genuine shift towards fostering economic growth must hinge on a thriving and healthy labour market, where workers are entitled to a secure jobs and a safe, healthy, and well-adapted working environment. The next steps involving the College of Commissioners appointment process will require committee confirmation and formal parliamentary approval through a vetting process. However, it seems unlikely that the position of Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights will be restored. So it’s probably time to ?wish the incoming Commissioner continued success?over?the coming term and support her mandate with workers, employers, other key stakeholders and agencies seizing every opportunity?to?make labour and social rights a priority.?

The views expressed here are those of the author alone and do not represent those of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health.