05/05/2026
Not a Crisis of Numbers, but of Conditions: A Trade Union Response to Labour Shortages in Construction and Woodworking Sectors
Labour shortages in construction and woodworking are not driven by a lack of workers, but by poor working conditions, low wages and weak enforcement. In this position paper, EFBWW sets out measures to improve job quality, strengthen labour standards and make the sectors more attractive, including limiting subcontracting, tackling bogus self-employment and investing in training and safe working conditions.
Link to research report: Mikkel Barslund, Anne Guisset, Ilse Tobback (2025): read here
Link to survey on labour shortage: Wouter Zwysen (2025): read here