What Has Europe Ever Done for Us? Quite a lot, actually...
All of this is anchored in the European Pillar of Social Rights and its Action Plan, that was endorsed by EU leaders in 2021. Through it, the EU is creating more job opportunities, fighting inequality and promoting social inclusion through high-quality work and training access.
In Ireland this year, at the All Together Now festival held in Portroe, County Waterford, the EU's Directorate-General for Employment, Social affairs and Inclusion hosted the 'Let's Make It Work ' stand to raise awareness of citizens' social and employment rights in a clear and accessible manner.
At the stand, participants had meaningful conversations around quality jobs, skills, and work-life balance. Inspired by real conversations at the 'Let's Make It Work' stand at All Together Now, this imagined dialogue explores how EU social rights shape our everyday lives."
Hello there and welcome to the European Commission Let's Make It Work stand, how've you been? Been up to anything fun?
Well, yeah actually, I recently spent a week in Italy.
Oh Italy, sounds like a lovely getaway. And no surprises from work when you returned?
Well, my inbox had 517 unread emails. That took a while to get through.
I'd say so. Aside from that, your job remained the same and you still got paid while you were away?. I'd say it's comforting knowing that it's there.
I didn't really think about that but Well, yeah of course I did. it is. Why do you say that?
Well, it's because you have the EU to thank for that.
The EU? I don't think it's done that much for us. It's just a bunch of people sitting around having meetings and not contributing much.
I wouldn't be so quick to judge. For one, that trip to Italy is protected by the EU. It enshrined that every worker gets four weeks of paid, guaranteed leave.
Ok, that's nice, but that's just one part of my life. What about the other 48 weeks of the year?
Oh, they've certainly got you covered on that. In recent years, the EU has made significant efforts to ensure that every citizen has a healthy and strong work-life balance, recognising that life is more than just work.
It means you can go away without having to worry about your job changing or being gone when you return. You expect your job to remain the same when you return, right?
Well, yeah, of course. It would be silly if that happened. Let me guess who I should thank…
Yep, the EU. It ensures that all workers, including yourself, have clear and predictable working conditions. This means you know, in writing, what is expected of you and your employer, as well as the terms of your contract and more.
More importantly, it prevents any sneaky business from happening. You don't want to return home and find out your job requires you to work longer hours or you have to sweep chimneys.
Sweeping chimneys? I'd probably take that over trawling through all those emails earlier, to be honest.
Sure it can feel that way, but jokes aside, these measures are to protect you in all areas of work.
Take the probationary period, which can't go on any longer than six months. It's a way of balancing the needs of both employee and employer, so they can establish if you're a good fit for the company while ensuring they don't abuse it.
These measures also apply to part-time and zero-hour contracts as the EU knows that people can't live and work to their fullest potential if they're stressed and working with uncertainty.
That's a relief to know. Work can be stressful enough, and we don't need the rug pulled from under our feet.
Exactly, and all of this is to develop what the EU describes as quality jobs, which contribute to your well-being, productivity, and societal benefits.
Imagine a world where you didn't have your hobbies, time to see friends and family.
I'd hate it if I had to drop photography or the five-a-side football I play on Tuesdays. They're important to me.
And it's what makes you who you are. It's important to say this isn't just for hobbies. By providing stable and adaptable working conditions, these measures enable you to adapt to your needs so you can have a fulfilling working and personal life.
It also applies to those who are caring for others. For parents, you have the right to healthcare, affordable childcare and long-term care, so you can pursue your career knowing your family is taken care of.
These measures are the standard and also apply to those who are self-employed or have non-standard employment arrangements.
That's good to hear, and for the people in need, wouldn't it be good to give them the skills so they can better themselves? There are loads of jobs out there unfilled, and it's better to train people to take them.
Absolutely, and it may not surprise you that this is also a core mission of the EU.
Earlier this year, it launched the Union of Skills, which aims to equip people with the skills they need to advance and succeed in their professional lives. So if you want a career change, want to upskill for a promotion, or add another string to your bow, you can.
The great thing is that all of this is transferable across the EU. If you move to a different country in the EU, all of this carries over.
Ok, ok, you got me, the EU has done a lot for us.
And it doesn't stop there, the EU is always looking to improve the lives of those living in its member states. The core drive is to create societies that benefit everyone.
When people are safe and secure, they're able to do more and contribute to the world around them, like caring for their families, pursuing hobbies, or giving back to the community.
Ok great, now can I show you my photos?
Oh, go on then.
Here ya go
These are quite good. Picturesque too. Wait, are these three photos the only ones photos you took?
Well, it was a busy trip, and a lot of the photos didn't come out well. They were overexposed and I…
You know what, it's the experience that counts.
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