For ETUC, policies which enable women and men combine good quality work with parenthood and other caring responsibilities are a crucial prerequisite for gender equality and the overall welfare of society. Women must be able to earn an income that gives them economic independence without being penalised for being potential mothers and carers. Men must also be given the opportunities to balance their work and family life.

The reconciliation of work, family and private life to provide greater work–life balance for European citizens is one of the key issues currently being discussed by both the European social partners and EU institutions.

Consultation on reconciliation

In 2006, the European Commission launched a consultation on the reconciliation of professional, private and family life, as it had been defined as one the Commission’s priority goals in the Roadmap for equality between women and men 2006–2010.

ETUC responded to the Commission’s consultation in 2006 and 20007:

• ETUC Position on the first stage consultation of the social partners at Community level on the reconciliation of professional, private and family life;
  
• ETUC Position on the second stage consultation of the social partners at Community level on the reconciliation of professional, private and family life.
  
  

In 2007, ETUC compiled a comprehensive information brochure (985Kb) on this topic highlighting its demands in terms of measures to improve work–life balance and achieve greater equality between men and women, as well as to enhance maternity protection, parental leave provisions and working time flexibility.

Proposed measures

As a result of the consultation process, the Commission has proposed a package of measures to improve maternity protection, including for self-employed women and to promote childcare provisions. These measures are currently being discussed in the European Parliament. In a press statement, ETUC welcomed the measures as timely, but believes that they should have gone further in their scope, also tackling shortcomings of the Pregnant workers Directive (92/85/EEC) concerning its health and safety dimension, notably in terms of prevention and risk assessment. In January 2009, ETUC issued its position in this regard:

• Revision of the Maternity protection (Pregnant workers), state of play and follow up
  
  

Social Partner activities

The issue of reconciliation was addressed as one of the four priorities in the Framework of actions adopted by the European Social Partners in 2005.

Following up on the consultation of the European Commission, in February 2008, the European social partners issued a report (107Kb) assessing the progress made in terms of implementing the Framework agreement on parental leave in the EU Member States. The report also evaluated parental leave arrangements in connection with other arrangements supporting parents and work–life balance.

As a result, the social partners are currently negotiating a revision of their Framework agreement on parental leave. In July 2008, they have issued a joint letter on childcare, and they will tackle the issue of flexible working arrangements in due course.

Further information on all of the above will be made available in due course on this website.