The ETUC supports the measures to improve women’s employment situation in Europe. The ETUC particularly welcomes the actions identified in the area of working arrangements, namely the willingness to assess, in cooperation with the social partners, the impact that part-time work and fixed-term contracts have on women’s working conditions. The objective to evaluate the existing gaps with regard to family-related leaves and the measures envisaged to advance women in decision-making positions in the economy and society at large are also positive elements of this new strategy. However, the ETUC is concerned that the Commission does not propose any binding measures to achieve the goals.

“If effectively implemented by all the stakeholders to whom it is addressed, this new strategy can be a useful instrument to improve women’s conditions’ of employment throughout Europe. The ETUC is ready to play its role and support the Commission’s initiatives to fight gender discrimination that still persists in a number of professions and workplaces. We nevertheless regret that the Commission has not proposed any concrete legislative proposal to tackle the gender pay gap. This would have been a strong signal in times of economic and social crisis” said John Monks.