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Esther Lynch

Esther Lynch was elected general secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation in December 2022. She has extensive trade union experience at Irish, European and international levels, starting with her election as a shop steward in the 1980s.
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The European elections: the right lessons to learn

Esther Lynch

There remains a democratic majority in the European Parliament to tackle the economic and social insecurity fuelling populism.

working hours,right to disconnect,collective bargaining,public procurement

A warning to Scrooges: cut long working hours

Esther Lynch

A right to disconect, collective bargaining and public procurement are the levers to reduce excessive working hours.

austerity,authoritarianism,trade unions,fiscal rules

The shadow of austerity—and authoritarianism

Esther Lynch

European trade unions are mobilising today in Brussels against the austerity which would follow reimplanted fiscal rules.

Europe needs a social compass

Esther Lynch, Nicola Countouris and Philippe Pochet

Europe is undergoing multiple transitions. For these to succeed, social dialogue to build consensus will be essential.

May Day,workers,trade unions

A message for May Day: come together, win change

Esther Lynch

Workers are under tremendous pressure amid the cost-of-living crisis. But trade unions are showing resilience to inspire.

cost of living,inflation,prices,trade unions

Trade unions on the frontline in the cost-of-living crisis

Esther Lynch

Defending workers' living standards has become trade unions' primary concern.

The courage to change

Esther Lynch and Bruno Bobone

Europe’s trade union and Christian business leaders appeal jointly for a new economic and social order after the pandemic.

A ‘vision zero’ goal for accidents at work

Eva Nordmark, Peter Hummelgaard, Johan Danielsson, Marianne Vind, Manuel Pizarro and Esther Lynch

There are no acceptable levels of workplace fatalities—a focus on prevention is needed.

Time to put an end to union-busting

Esther Lynch

Trade union rights are human rights and must be protected in EU law.

Fair wages are key to Europe’s recovery

Esther Lynch

Ensuring a high wage floor in the EU is not just the right thing to do to lift the low paid but is integral to recovery from the pandemic.

Making work fit for workers after Covid-19

Esther Lynch

The welfare state sought to protect workers from labour-market risks. After Covid-19, reduced working time and greater autonomy must be on the agenda.

How digitalisation must be harnessed to save jobs

Esther Lynch

A framework agreement between the social partners should ensure job security and worker involvement are prioritised across the European Union.

Calling time on violence against women in the workplace

Esther Lynch

On International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, over 50 female union leaders urge stronger action by the incoming European Commission.

Tackling insecure work in Europe—a critical moment

Esther Lynch

The good news is that employment in the EU is at a record high. The bad news is that so much of it is insecure

Trade Unions On Frontline In Battle Against Inequality

Esther Lynch

The European Commission continues to talk about robust recovery, but with wages falling or stagnating, many people in Europe are worse off than they were

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Hans Böckler Stiftung Advertisement

WSI Report

WSI Minimum Wage Report 2025

The trend towards significant nominal minimum wage increases is continuing this year. In view of falling inflation rates, this translates into a sizeable increase in purchasing power for minimum wage earners in most European countries. Most EU countries are now following the reference values for adequate minimum wages enshrined in the European Minimum Wage Directive, which are 60% of the median wage or 50% of the average wage.

DOWNLOAD THE REPORT

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Cohesion Policy

S&D Position Paper on Cohesion Policy post-2027: a resilient future for European territorial equity

Cohesion Policy seeks to foster balanced development and reduce economic, social, and territorial disparities, focusing on rural areas, regions in industrial transition, and those with severe or permanent natural or demographic disadvantages, including outermost, sparsely populated, island, cross-border, and mountain regions.

READ THE PAPER HERE

ADAPT advertisement

Cohesion Policy


In a context of growing direct employee voice in workplace innovation processes, the BroadVoice project explored how worker representatives and industrial relations can play a role in these dynamics. Based on a two-year study in 24 workplaces across six European countries, this comparative report, edited by Vassil Kirov (IPS-BAS) and Ilaria Armaroli (ADAPT), highlights the evolving contours of workplace democracy shaped by the involvement of worker representation in employee-driven innovation.

READ THE REPORT HERE

ETUI advertisement

HESA Magazine Cover

Back to school with HesaMag 30: the leading European magazine on occupational safety and health explores teachers’ deteriorating working conditions. With field reporting, expert voices and trade union analysis, plus insights into EU policy shifts, discover why teachers’ health is key to our future.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Eurofound advertisement

Ageing workforce
Is Europe’s mental health still in crisis?

New Eurofound research reveals a complex picture of mental health in Europe post-pandemic. While some factors show improvement, concerning trends persist, including an alarming halt to the decades-long decline in suicide rates. A new episode of the Eurofound Talks podcast explores these issues, highlighting that vulnerable groups are being disproportionately affected. It also discusses how significant barriers to mental healthcare—such as stigma and long waiting lists—are leaving many without vital support.
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Foundation for European Progressive Studies Advertisement

Spring Issues

Join the conference “Healthy mind, stronger Europe”

On World Mental Health Day, 10 October, join us for the conference “Healthy mind, stronger Europe”, where we’ll put forward real, progressive solutions.
Despite growing awareness of its impact on all our lives, mental health has yet to gain the momentum it deserves in EU policymaking. The latest EU budget and Commission mandate still fall short on policy work on mental health that reflects progressive values - including gender mainstreaming.
Bringing together policymakers, practitioners, academics and civil society, this event presents the results of three expert groups that have been working on concrete recommendations.

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