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The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and the following European Industry Federations: EFBWW, ETF, EFFAT, EPSU, IndustriAll, and UNI Europa highlight key findings of their research on the relationship between “arduous occupations” and “early retirement schemes”. The Project was funded by the European Commission and covers the following occupations: Processing line workers in the meat sector, bus drivers working in the public transport sector, distribution centre workers, (metal) foundry-workers, carpenters - floor coverers, and elder care workers.

The comparative study focused on six different occupations in nine countries[1] showing that the phenomenon of “arduous occupations” still exists. These occupational activities have a substantial negative impact on the physical and/or mental health of the workers in question. Workers’ personal characteristics can play a role in the work experience, however, the negative impact of an “arduous occupation” is not personal, instinctive or subjective. The negative impact is objectively demonstrable on the basis of medical, ergonomic or psychosocial criteria. The phenomenon is statistically demonstrable on the basis of a higher outflow of workers who were employed in an “arduous occupation”.

The Project parties agreed the attached Joint Resolution calling for awareness-raising on arduous occupations and the necessary adaptation in terms of prevention, compensation and negotiation over retirement provisions. The Final Report of the project is also attached.

[1] Italy, Belgium, France, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Poland, Spain and Romania.