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In a joint statement signed by UNI Europa, the European services workers union, and employers organisations - COESS – Confederation of European Security Services, Coiffure EU, EBF – European Banking Federation, EFCI- European Federation of Cleaning Industries, EuroCiett, EuroCommerce, Insurance Europe, - the Social Partners recognise the key role of Social Dialogue as an essential tool for growth, quality jobs and competitiveness in Europe.

Social Dialogue is a cornerstone of the social dimension of the single market. Increasing social inequality and unemployment are unfortunately still a main trend in many European countries. That makes Social Dialogue an important instrument to build a more inclusive society and to restore trust in the European project as a driver for cohesion and social progress. Social Dialogue can also be a boost for companies to invest in training, skills and innovation.

The joint statement, which stresses the specific importance of Sectoral Social Dialogue compared to cross-industry Social Dialogue underlines:

the added value of European social dialogue,
the autonomy of social partners and their role as co-legislators,
the common trends and patterns affecting the services industry in Europe
their expertise and knowledge of the sector and their role in anticipating change,
their role in EU policy making,
the need to allocate more resources to social dialogue,
the respect of social partners agreements,
the importance of a strong national membership and the need to improve social dialogue in Eastern Europe,
the implementation of social dialogue outcomes and
the representativeness studies as a way to reinforce social dialogue.

Read the full statement here in English, French or German.

This joint statement is the outcome of a recent event UNI Europa organised, gathering social partners from  the 13 sectors under its umbrella for a much needed discussion about the future of Social Dialogue.

Watch UNI Europa's video on Social Dialogue here