A turning point: Why the CJEUâs minimum wages ruling matters
By upholding the Minimum Wages Directive, the CJEU has set a clear signal: fair wages and strong collective bargaining are central to Europeâs social future. The judgment empowers governments to lift wage floors and tackle in-work poverty with renewed confidence.
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OPINION | Public services and social dialogue: Europe's competitive advantage
CESI SG Klaus Heeger emphasises that social dialogue and public services are Europe's competitive advantage, not obstacles to growth.
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CESI urges socially sustainable competitiveness agenda for Europe
As the European Commission moves ahead with a policy agenda of deregulation, CESI has adopted a new resolution to call for a socially sustainable competitiveness agenda for Europe.
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Joint letter: CESI supports call on the European Commission to give space to ambitions on long-term care
Today, together with 20 European civil society and trade union organisations, CESI supports a joint call on the European Commission to give space to ambitions on long-term care. A corresponding letter was transmitted to the European Commissioner for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana MĂźnzatu.
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Defence â A third transition underway, after the green and the digital?
CESI broadly welcomes the new EU White Paper on European Defence, published by the European Commission on March 19. It could lead to a new third major transition after the green and the digital.
CESI calls on social outcomes as priorities in revised EU public procurement rules
In a consultation statement, CESI has called on the European Commission to make social outcomes a priority in revised EU directives on public procurement and concessions.
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International Womenâs Day: CESI welcomes new EU Roadmap for Womenâs Rights
CESI underscores that the success of the Roadmap will depend on continued collaboration between the European institutions, Member States, social partners and civil society.
âReArm Europeâ: A Paradigm Shift in European Defence and Societal Resilience
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen couldnât have been blunter. In her letter to the special European Council she wrote: âA new era is upon us. Europe faces a clear and present danger on a scale that none of us have seen in our adult lifetimeâ.
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March 3 â European Day for a Work-Free Sunday
Ensure synchronised resting time also in times of competitiveness
The European Employment and Social Rights Forum and the proposed âUnion of Skillsâ
CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger participated in the European Employment and Social Rights Forum 2025, Europeâs largest event on employment and social affairs, which took place on March 5-6 in Brussels.
Equal Care Day 2025â Towards a fairer society
Today, on March 1, Equal Care Day 2025, CESI reaffirms its commitment to building a more balanced and equitable society and labour markets in Europe through a fairer distribution of care responsibilities.
8th EDRT: Why should Europe change its mindset and get ready for war?
Shortly after the so-called Weimar+ meeting comprising France, Germany, Poland, Spain and the UK, the Munich Security Conference 2025 and NATOâs Defence Ministers gathering in Brussels, CESI's 8th European Defence Round-Table (EDRT) took place.
Union of Skills: Improve training, recognition of qualifications & fair transitions
In a new position on an EU social partner consultation on a Union of Skills, CESI has called on the EU to issue concrete measures to improve professional training, recognition of qualifications and fair transitions for workers in the EU.
CESI in Strasbourg to discuss European Commission work programme with MEPs
During the European Parliament plenary week of February 10, CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger met with a series of MEPs in Strasbourg to discuss the newly issued work programme of the European Commission for 2025.
EU industrial action plan for the automotive sector: A call for balance
As the European Commission consults on a new EU industrial action plan for the automotive sector, CESI and its Italian metal worker member union Fismic-Confsal call to balance environmental objectives and industrial feasibility, to secure the industry's future and jobs in Europe.
Itâs the economy, stupid. But not only. | Editorial of CESI SG Klaus Heeger
Priorities are shifting in EU policymaking. As Bill Clintonâs 1992 campaign famously put it: âItâs the economy, stupid.â Today, this focus has fully resurfaced in Europe, placing competitiveness as a cornerstone of future prosperity.
CESI calls for ambitious EU Roadmap for Women's Rights
As part of a social partner consultation, CESI adopted a new position on a forthcoming EU Roadmap for Women's Rights.
Programme Commission and Presidium set CESI work topics for 2025
At their first meeting of the year on January 30, CESI's Presidium and Programme Commission set CESI's work topics for 2025.
Presidium reinstates CESI Commissions and Expert Commissions, establishes new 'CESI Seniors'
At its first meeting after the recent Congress in December, the Presidium reinstated CESI's horizontal Commissions and sectoral Expert Commissions. It also re-established the Working Group on the Future of Work and put in place a new 'CESI Seniors' platform.
New CESI position on quality traineeships
A new position of CESI on the currently negotiated new EU Directive on Quality Traineeships is now available.
EU Competitiveness Compass: With workers, not to workers
A reaction statement by CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger in response to the Competitiveness Compass that the European Commission published this week.
Lobby successes: CESI welcomes new Eur. Parliament Intergroups on Civil Protection & the Future of Education
The chairs of the political groups of the European Parliament established two new Intergroups on Civil Protection and on the Future of Education. CESI, as co-initiator and co-supporter of the two intergroups, strongly welcomes it.
The Polish EU Presidency: Delivering in times of uncertainty
Today, the Polish Prime Minister Tusk presented the priorities of the Polish Council Presidency to the European Parliament.
SynCrisis final conference: Strengthening public services in an era of ongoing crises
On December 13, the CESI EU co-funded SynCrisis project reached its culmination with a final conference, marking the conclusion of a two-year initiative focused on the essential role of public services in addressing Europeâs multifaceted and interconnected crises.
Towards a European Defence Union: How ambitious are the efforts?
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, re-elected for a second term, has prioritised defence as a key pillar for completing the European Single Market and establishing a robust European Defence Union.
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Trade unions at the forefront of active labour market policies: ACTIVER seminar in Spain
At a seminar hosted in Spain on 17â18 December 2024, CESI highlighted the key role of trade unions in designing inclusive labour market policies fit for the digital and post-COVID era.
Empowering workers for the future
A mandate for the next five years | Editorial of CESI SG Klaus Heeger Under the theme âIndependence, Unity, Progress: Empowering Todayâs Workforce for Tomorrow,â the Congress gave us an opportunity to reflect on our achievements while also addressing the challenges ahead.
CESI Congress calls to secure Spanish MUFACE beyond 2024
On December 12, the Congress of CESI adopted an emergency motion calling to secure the Spanish Muface beyond 2024.
2024 CESI Congress: Romain Wolff and Klaus Heeger re-elected to lead European independent trade unions
Romain Wolff and Klaus Heeger were re-elected President and Secretary General of the European Confederation of Independent Trade Unions (CESI) at its Congress held today in Brussels.
Greek firefighter union E.P.A.Y.P.S. joins CESI
On December 3, CESI's Board voted in favour of a membership application of the Greek firefighter union E.P.A.Y.P.S.
CESI Presidium calls for EU action to tackle the automotive sector crisis and protect workers
Brussels, December 3 2024 â The European Confederation of Independent Trade Unions (CESI) calls for urgent and coordinated action from EU policymakers to tackle the deepening crisis in the automotive sector and protect workers in the sector amidst transitions.
Upcoming on December 12: 9th Congress of CESI
CESI will hold its 9th Congress on December 12.
SynCrisis final conference on the needs of public services to respond to multiple crises
December 13th 2024 | hybrid (Brussels & via Zoom) | 9.30 â 15.30
CESI@home on public investments in EU economic governance and the European Semester
On November 19, CESI held a CESI@home capacity building event for its members on public investments and stakeholder engagement in the revised EU economic governance and European Semester.
Int. Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2024: Standing united to end violence against women
As we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, CESI reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ending violence against women and fostering gender equality across Europe.
Roxana MĂźnzatu pledges ambitious reforms for social rights and employment
On November 12, Roxana MĂźnzatu, Vice President-designate for People, Skills, and Preparedness, presented her vision to the European Parliament during a hearing with key committees.
A fresh perspective on EU defence capabilities from the Niinistö report
Preparedness and security as a public good amidst positive change
Spainâs flooding emergency highlights vital role of public services
CESI stands in solidarity with all those affected by the recent 'DANA' storms and floods in Spain.
CESI Commissions on Employment and Gender Equalilty discuss prospects of active labour market policies in the EU
On October 9, CESI's Commissions on Employment & Social Affairs and on Womenâs Rights & Gender Equality held their last meeting of the year. The meeting adressed a series of pressing social and employment issues at the EU level.
CESI and EPC co-host hybrid workshop on the role of networks in the labour integration of Ukrainian refugees
On October 8 CESI and the European Policy Centre (EPC) co-hosted a hybrid workshop on the role of networks in the labour market inclusion of Ukrainian refugees.
Ahead of the hearings: Workers' priorities at the forefront | Editorial of Secretary General Klaus Heeger
As the European Parliament gears up for the upcoming Commissioner hearings, CESI SG Klaus Heeger had the chance to meet with newly elected and returning MEPs to align on shared priorities for 2024-2029.
CESI article on AI on the 'EUobserver': Handle it with humility, yet confidence!
Building on the insights and discussions from CESI's 'Summer Days 2024' on AI, CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger and Sara Rinaudo, Chairwoman of CESI's working group on 'The Future of Work', published a joint article on the 'EUobserver', delving into the role of artificial intelligence in the workplace.
Meetings with Members of the European Parliament: Shaping priorities for 2024-2029
As the European Parliament gears up for the hearings of the designated Commissioners, CESI had the opportunity to engage with key MEPs to discuss the pressing priorities for the coming legislative period.
Breaking News: European Commission brings Italy to the EU Court
Today, just one week after the CESI@noon event on teachersâ shortages and the abusive use of temporary work contracts in schools, the European Commission has decided to bring Italy to the EU Court in that matter.
New resolution on the regulation of AI at work
CESI's Presidium has endorsed a resolution of CESI's Working Group on the Future of Work on key demands on the regulation of AI at work.
CESI-Eurofedop Post & Telecoms Conference in Tirana
On September 20, the telecoms and postal services unions from CESI and Eurofedop gathered in Tirana for their annual symposium.
Empowering teachers: Better working conditions for a better future of the EUâs next generation
At the start of this school year, CESI gathered its members and experts to discuss challenges teachers face across the EU, as part of CESI's EU co-funded ACTIVER project.
First multisectoral guidelines to prevent violence at work reached an agreement
Third-Party Violence and Harassment at work (TPVH), be it of a psychological, sexual or physical nature, is on the increase and must be halted.
Expert Commission âHealth Servicesâ establishes priorities for EU term 2024-2029
In the context of CESI's EU-funded Syncrisis, CESI' Expert Commission on âHealth Servicesâ met on September 17 to address the most pressing issues for the health care workforce, lessons learnt from the pandemic, and the 2024-2029 European Commission's priorities and challenges.
Designation of Commissioner portfolios: Push employment and social affairs
In a commentary following the release of the newly assigned European Commission portfolios by President Ursula von der Leyen earlier today, CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger expresses hopes for a prominent role of employment and social affairs during the EUâs new legislative term.
Statement by CESI SG Klaus Heeger on the Draghi report on European competitiveness
Mario Draghi's recent report on European competitiveness offers a comprehensive roadmap for securing the EU's economic future, but it overlooks critical social aspects such as worker rights, employment conditions, and the role of public services in fostering socioeconomic growth.