The EFBWW welcomes Stéphane Séjourné’s commitment to “quality jobs” and to the “protection and inclusion of workers". We also appreciate the focus on job quality and the focus on creating an inclusive labour market.
On environmental progress, we applaud Séjourné’s mention of reducing the clinker content in cement and his reference to the EPBD as part of a broader strategy to green the cement sector. We fully support efforts to make this critical industry more sustainable, but we urge the Commission to ensure that any ecological transformation includes protection for workers in the form of skills development and fair working conditions. The EFBWW insists on the social transformation of the industry with attention for keeping integrated cement production facilities in the EU, ensuring quality jobs and upskilling and reskilling cement workers.
On public procurement, we agree that reform is necessary. However, we urge that this be approached as social procurement that addresses abusive subcontracting practices and enforces strict regulations to prevent worker exploitation. Construction remains vulnerable to complex subcontracting chains that can lead to abuse and unfair conditions for workers.
We are pleased to note Séjourné’s commitment to developing a comprehensive asbestos strategy. The EFBWW is concerned that the Commission might overlook this issue. We expect the Commission to come forward with a proposal on the screening, registration and monitoring of asbestos. This piece of legislation is vital to protect workers: knowledge of the presence of asbestos is the first and most important prerequisite for the safe removal of any remaining asbestos. We look forward to Séjourné engaging with social partners, including the EFBWW, to ensure this strategy is protects workers’ health and safety.
Finally, while subcontracting was raised multiple times during the hearing, Séjourné did not directly address it. We urge his office to engage with us on this issue, as long and complex subcontracting chains continue to allow unscrupulous employers to exploit workers, including third-country nationals. Clear policies to regulate subcontracting are necessary to ensure fair treatment and decent working conditions. We look forward to a continued dialogue with Mr. Séjourné and the opportunity to contribute to policies that protect workers and promote equal treatment.
Photo from Stéphane Séjourné: European Parliament