The ETUC commends the Council for taking note of the importance of democracy at work and its positive impact on our social market economy. The acknowledgment that democracy at work is a core value and a guarantee for a more just and inclusive social Europe is a positive development. We appreciate the commitment shown by Member States in recognizing the need to strengthen democracy at work to achieve a just and sustainable double transition.

We welcome the Council's call on the Commission to come forward with further initiatives on the topic, such as reassessing the need and relevance of EU law developments regarding worker participation in companies, in particular transnational companies. The ETUC sees this as a crucial step towards ensuring that democracy at work remains at the forefront of policy discussions and that concrete actions are taken to enhance workers' involvement in decision-making processes.

While appreciating the Council's efforts, Schömann points out, "The European Parliament's INI report on Democracy at Work, especially the call for a new framework directive, provides a more comprehensive approach. A new framework directive on workers' information, consultation, and participation is crucial. It offers a clear path forward to address the evolving challenges in the world of work and ensure consistent protection of workers' rights across Member States."

In conclusion, the ETUC expresses support for the Council Conclusions and urges Member States to act promptly on democracy at work. "We look forward to continued collaboration with the European Commission and Parliament to advance workers' rights, promote social dialogue, and ensure a fair and sustainable transition for all," affirms Schömann.