Trade unions and civil society organisations under the Build Better Lives campaign have signed onto an open letter sent to EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, and the European Commission urging them to support the construction and renovation sector in alleviating the housing crisis while delivering for the rights, safety, and dignity of the workers who will build and renovate those homes.
To end labour shortages within the construction sector, both the European Affordable Housing Plan (EAHP) and the European Strategy for Housing Construction (ESHC) must prioritise improving working conditions and ensure large-scale upskilling and reskilling across the housing value chain and support the introduction of new technologies, which can reduce physical workload and be more attractive for young people and women.