On 30 April 2024, the European Commission presented the first-phase consultation of social partners under Article 154 TFEU on possible EU action in the area of telework and workers' right to disconnect. The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) expressly welcomes the Commission's initiative and is pleased to answer the three consultation questions below.

The ETUC is calling on the European Commission to initiate swift legislative action on telework and the right to disconnect following the blocking of a European social partner agreement by employers.   

A new three-year agreement between trade unions CFDT, CFE-CGC, CGT, FO and Legrand, the French electrical products and systems specialist which employs 5,500 people in France, adds protection for LGBT+ employees, training on workplace equality, and a new procedure for reporting sexist behaviour. Existing anti-discrimination measures will be strengthened to promote “the inclusion of all employees”.

Trade unions in Ireland have agreed with the country’s Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on a new framework for remote working, allowing civil servants to apply for ‘blended’ arrangements combining home and office working.

A recent survey in Belgium found that as Covid restrictions are lifted, four out of five employees would like to go on working from home at least two days a week. But teleworking can lead to added pressure and stress.

As Covid working restrictions in Italy begin to ease at the end of March, three unions, Filt-Cgil, Fit-Cisl and Uiltrasporti, have reached a framework agreement with DHL Express Italy to promote ‘smart working’, starting with a trial period until the end of the year.