The goal has to be for 80% of workers in the European Union to be covered by a collective agreement, says Esther Lynch. To achieve this, member states in particular must play their part by talking with and bargaining with companies and trade unions. The EU can act as a facilitator so that across the boards, collective agreements can become the new norm for workers. -nk

Katrin Rulle

For Esther Lynch, the political mandate is clear. particularly in professions that cannot just be replaced by AI, the priority is to recognise the value of the work people are doing, and pay them better. Public contracts cannot be awarded solely based on the lowest price, but must be linked to collective bargaining agreements, further training and must be socially responsible. Lynch also highlights the stress many workers suffer who have no way of escalating their problems. -fw

Katrin Rulle