PES SEN: Progressives push for fairness for subcontracted workers and stronger social protections across Europe

Following the meeting of the PES Social Europe Network (SEN), progressives from across Europe exchanged views on the European Commission's upcoming Quality Jobs Act and the proposed 28th Company Regime. Discussions focused on strengthening workers' rights in subcontracting chains and ensuring that Europe's competitiveness does not come at the expense of social protection.

Participants also welcomed the publication of the Commission's recent 'social plan, including the first-ever EU Anti-Poverty Strategy the strengthening of the European Child Guarantee and measures to tackle housing exclusion and support the rights of persons with disabilities. They also stressed that the priority now is putting all the means and the money - notably through the MFF - to actually achieve poverty reduction.

PES SEN Chair, Gaby Bischoff, said:

"At a time when too many people across Europe are struggling with rising living costs, precarious work and housing pressure, Europe must deliver real social progress and give a strong answer to the affordability crisis. Fighting poverty, strengthening workers' rights and protecting social standards must remain at the heart of the European project. This should include EU legislation on subcontracting chains, a Child Guarantee with a budget of €20 billion, and strong social safeguards in all EU policies. Progressives will continue pushing for a strong Social Europe that protects people, promotes quality jobs, and leaves no one behind. Time is pressing, and we need action now."

The discussion on the upcoming Quality Jobs Act focused on the need to regulate abusive subcontracting chains by legislative measures, particularly in labour-intensive sectors where workers face exploitation and a lack of accountability. Workers' und trade union rights must be respected across Europe, no matter the type of contract, work or company.

The Network also exchanged views on the proposed 28th Company Regime. While participants recognised the need to improve the functioning of the Single Market and support sustainable competitiveness for the benefit of workers and people, strong concerns and opposition were expressed over the risk of social dumping, the circumvention of national labour protections, and facilitation of money laundering in the Commission proposal. The discussion highlighted the importance of ensuring that any future framework fully respects workers' rights and existing social standards. Innovation must always sustain Europe's social fabric.

The meeting brought together PES member parties, trade union and civil society representatives, and Members of the S&D Group in the European Parliament to coordinate common progressive priorities on social and employment policies at European level.