The document presents the results of the evaluation carried out in 2025 by the European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR) regarding the implementation of the Revised European Social Charter in several European states. Between March and December 2025, national reports concerning fundamental labour rights were analysed, including working conditions, occupational safety and health, fair remuneration, freedom of association, collective bargaining, and equal opportunities in employment. The analysis focused particularly on states that have not accepted the collective complaints procedure. In total, the Committee adopted 213 conclusions, of which 42 indicated compliance with the Charter and 171 identified situations of non-compliance, reflecting significant shortcomings in the protection of labour rights in Europe.
One of the main problems identified concerns working conditions and the length of the working day. The Committee observed that in some countries certain sectors allow working hours exceeding 60 hours per week, which poses a risk to workers’ health and safety. Deficiencies were also detected in the regulation of on-call periods and in the absence of clear limits for certain groups, such as military personnel or workers in specific sectors. These situations were considered incompatible with the right to fair working conditions established by the European Social Charter.
With regard to occupational safety and health, the report highlights that many countries have not yet developed adequate policies to address new workplace risks. These risks include platform work, teleworking, jobs with high attention or performance demands, as well as risks arising from work-related stress or climate change. In most of the states examined, shortcomings were identified in the protection of vulnerable workers—such as the self-employed, teleworkers, or subcontracted employees—and in the effective supervision of compliance with occupational safety regulations.
Another central issue in the report is the wage inequality between men and women. The Committee found that in most countries there has been no measurable progress in reducing the gender pay gap. In many cases, there are also no clear definitions of “work of equal value” in national legislation or case law, nor transparent job classification systems that would allow salaries to be compared objectively. These shortcomings hinder the effective application of the principle of equal pay.
The report also examines freedom of association and the right to organise. It was observed that many countries do not adequately guarantee the right of association for workers on digital platforms, who are often classified as self-employed and therefore fall outside the protection of labour law. In addition, legal obstacles were identified regarding the creation of trade unions or the representation of employer and worker organisations, as well as excessive restrictions on the right of organisation for certain groups such as the police or the armed forces.
Regarding the right to collective bargaining and collective action, the Committee identified multiple limitations. In several states, legal or structural obstacles hinder negotiations between workers and employers. Furthermore, the right to strike is restricted in numerous sectors—such as public services, energy, or transport—and in some cases broad prohibitions exist that the Committee considers disproportionate. According to the analysis, collective bargaining remains weak in many countries and insufficient measures have been taken to strengthen it.
Finally, the report analyses equal opportunities in employment without discrimination on the basis of sex. The Committee concludes that in many states no significant progress has been made in reducing the employment gap between men and women or in increasing female representation in managerial positions and decision-making bodies. Despite the existence of some initiatives, data show that women’s participation in leadership roles remains limited and that more effective policies are required to achieve genuine equality.
Overall, the document emphasises that the European Social Charter continues to be a fundamental instrument for the protection of social rights in Europe. However, it also demonstrates that many countries still need to adopt stronger legislative reforms and policies to fully guarantee labour rights and equality in the workplace.
Añadir comentario
Comentarios