How to ensure decent work and job quality for essential workers

BRUSSELS (ILO News) – During the COVID-19 pandemic, key workers - such as transport, food system, and health workers - kept our societies and economies afloat. Yet, the considerable benefits which key workers generate are higher than the economic compensation and societal recognition they receive, according to the ILO’s World Employment and Social Outlook – The value of essential work. To highlight this issue, Eurofound and the ILO jointly hosted an event.

Both the ILO and Eurofound have found that key workers lack social justice and decent working conditions. They suffered a higher mortality rate than non-key workers during the pandemic, and continue to face several deficiencies, including long and irregular working hours, an overreliance on temporary contracts as well as a lack of social protection, such as paid sick leave. Key employees earn on average 26 percent less than other employees, of which only 17 percent is accounted for by education and experience – the rest of which is unexplained.


In a keynote address, Nicolas Schmit, EU Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, underlined the pivotal role key workers play. “Without key workers, our societies cannot function. Yet, most key workers are paid at the level of the minimum wage or receive a low wage. There is also a lack of societal recognition for workers who provide essential goods and services. This is a fundamental contradiction in our societies,” he said.

Staff shortages have plagued many key occupations since the pandemic, such as those of truck drivers and nurses. The demographic evolution in the EU will increase the demand for health and social care. The EU’s working-age population is projected to decline after 2026 (by 57.4 million until 2100), whilst the population aged 65 and over will continue to grow. “To address the labour market shortages in essential sectors in the EU, we need to organize legal labour migration, and the European Commission is working on this issue,” he added.

Addressing skills shortages will remain an issue. “We need to respond to the changes in our societies by promoting a mind-set of upskilling and reskilling, and ensuring that essential workers are equipped with the right skills,” the Commissioner said.

Alícia Homs Ginel, Vice-Chair of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, pointed to the Resolution which the Parliament has adopted for the full implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, in particular the principles related to fair wages and the right to collective bargaining. “The viability of the European social model is at stake,” she said.

A social partner panel composed of representatives from HOSPEEM, EPSU, EFCI and UNI Global Union indicated that the working conditions in several sectors, including the care and cleaning sectors, have not improved since the pandemic. The panel agreed that strong social dialogue and collective bargaining are necessary to ensure that key workers can negotiate better working conditions.