Tomorrow, the European Parliament’s committee on employment and social affairs will vote on a legislative report on a just transition in the world of work. The Socialists and Democrats are pleased that it is set to include a joint call for new EU legislation to ensure that Europe’s green and digital future will be fair for all workers, which they have long advocated for.

Political commitments must be backed by adequate funding, so they do not remain empty promises. Deplorably, the European Commission has not included a stand-alone Just Transition Fund in its recent proposal for the next long-term EU budget. The S&Ds therefore call for dedicated and sufficient funding to show that climate action, the digital revolution and social justice are inseparable if our goal is a sustainable and fair future for all – a demand that is also expected to be reflected in tomorrow's report.

Estelle Ceulemans, S&D spokesperson on employment and social affairs, said:

"Europe’s green and digital transitions must be fair and create quality jobs. No worker should be left behind in the monumental transformation of our jobs, industries, and economy. Otherwise, an opportunity becomes a risk.

"This is why we call for a directive on a just transition in the world of work – to put workers first by ensuring the right to training, as well as timely information and consultation on changes to come, with a strong role for trade unions and collective bargaining."

Klára Dobrev, S&D negotiator on the Just Transition Directive in the world of work, added:

"The negotiations have been very difficult, confirming that we could face a political disaster: digital and climate transitions are happening, and they are anything but just, while the post-World War II economic and social order is collapsing. It would look like a scene from the Titanic – the right and the far right keep playing music and ordering caviar while the ship is sinking.

"The report is not perfect, but we are proud to have secured several crucial points: a call for a legislative proposal on a just transition in the world of work, highlighting the right to training for workers, and a call for a stand-alone Just Transition Fund.

"This report is extremely important, and we call on all political groups to support it. It will send a strong signal from the Parliament to the European Commission to include the call for a directive on a just transition in the world of work in the Quality Jobs Roadmap, which is expected to be presented tomorrow."