The Socialists and Democrats welcome the Quality Jobs Roadmap presented today by Commission Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu. The outlined strategy reaffirms the progressives’ belief that quality jobs are central to fair and competitive growth.

While this roadmap offers a sound analysis of the situation and marks a good starting point, there is no time to waste before moving to the second, key phase – the Quality Jobs Act. Only concrete and strong action will turn the strategy into reality through strengthened European workers' rights, especially in a world of work undergoing massive change due to digitalisation, demographic change and the green transition.

Gaby Bischoff, S&D vice-president for Social Europe, said:

"The Quality Jobs Roadmap is a welcome first step. The core message is spot on: there is no competitiveness without quality jobs. If Europe wants to stay competitive, it must deliver fair working conditions – not just nice words.

"For us progressives, the key point is that quality jobs mean fair wages, strong workers' representation, safe and healthy workplaces, protection from exploitation, and strong enforcement.

"We welcome that the Commission finally puts safe and healthy workplaces, fair wages, and strong social dialogue at the centre of its strategy. Updating EU health and safety rules so that they cover telework, mobile devices and psychosocial risks is long overdue. This is essential for millions of workers.

"But now we need to see concrete and strong action fast. If the proposed Quality Jobs Act is to deserve its name, it cannot simply tidy up existing rules. We need new, enforceable rights and rules for workers – on algorithmic management, occupational health and safety, psychosocial risks, ending abusive subcontracting chains and the right to disconnect, as well as a Just Transition Directive."