CESI welcomes new EU Fair Labour Mobility Package and calls for worker-centred implementation

CESI welcomes the package as an important step towards improving workers’ freedom of movement. Many of the proposals respond to priorities previously raised by CESI, notably a stronger European Labour Authority (ELA), simpler access to social security rights through a European Social Security Pass (ESSPASS), and faster and more transparent recognition of qualifications.

A stronger European Labour Authority

CESI supports the proposal to reinforce the mandate of the European Labour Authority (ELA). The proposed revision would give the ELA stronger tools to support national authorities in enforcing EU labour mobility rules, including through improved risk analysis, cooperation and cross-border inspections.

These steps reflect several of CESI’s longstanding demands. In its position ahead of the package, CESI called for stronger operational capacities for the ELA, more effective joint inspections, closer cooperation between labour inspectorates and social security institutions, and stronger action against undeclared work and labour exploitation. position

One shortcoming remains: the ELA remains dependent on Member States’ decisions regarding joint inspections, making it difficult for EU-wide high-risk investigations to take place when national authorities remain the gatekeepers.

An important aspect of the package is its aim to extend the ELA's practical reach to third-country nationals, who are among the most disadvantaged, vulnerable and precarious workers in the EU. A firewall between labour inspectorates and immigration authorities is proposed to protect individuals from additional burdens and criminalisation.

The effectiveness of these new instruments, if adopted, will depend on their implementation and adequate resources. CESI will also continue to advocate for the meaningful involvement of trade unions and recognised social partners in ELA’s work. Trade unions are often among the first to identify abusive practices on the ground and must therefore have a strong role in ensuring that cross-border mobility rules work in practice.

Making social security rights easier to exercise and maintain

CESI also welcomes the proposed European Social Security Pass (ESSPASS), which should make it easier for mobile workers to demonstrate and exercise their social security rights.

Under the proposal, workers would be able to request, receive and present important social security documents digitally through the EU Digital Identity Wallet. The system would initially cover documents including the portable A1 document for posted workers and the European Health Insurance Card.

Digitalisation can significantly reduce administrative burdens for workers, employers and social security institutions. For CESI, however, it must remain inclusive, accessible and worker-centred.

Workers who face digital barriers, language difficulties or limited access to technology must not be disadvantaged. Adequate human assistance and accessible alternatives therefore remain essential. Strong data protection safeguards must also be guaranteed, ensuring that digitalisation serves workers and facilitates access to rights rather than becoming a new obstacle to exercising them.

Skills should travel with workers

The package also includes a substantial Skills Portability Initiative, comprising a Skills Portability Act, a revision of the Professional Qualifications Directive and new rules concerning the recognition of qualifications of third-country nationals.

CESI supports the objective of making qualifications easier to issue, compare, verify and recognise across borders. Faster and more transparent recognition can help workers make better use of their skills and can contribute to addressing labour and skills shortages across Europe.

At the same time, portability must not come at the expense of professional standards, quality employment or occupational safety. Recognition mechanisms should value competences acquired through vocational education and training, apprenticeships, professional experience and lifelong learning while maintaining high standards in regulated professions.

Europe must also remain attentive to the territorial consequences of labour mobility. Facilitating mobility cannot substitute for improving employment conditions in sectors and regions struggling to recruit and retain workers.

Fair mobility requires quality jobs

The Fair Labour Mobility Package comes at a time when mobility is increasingly important for the European labour market. CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger said: "According to the European Commission, around 14 million EU citizens live or work long-term in another Member State, while 3.64 million workers are temporarily posted to another country. Yet mobility alone cannot solve Europe’s labour and skills shortages. Sustainable response to shortages must also include better working conditions, attractive and adequately remunerated professions, investment in education and training, occupational safety and health, and a healthy work-life balance."

According to CESI, labour mobility should offer workers genuine opportunities and contribute to European cohesion. It must never become a means of circumventing labour standards, creating unfair competition between workers or encouraging social dumping.

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