Brussels, 07/07/2008
The European social partners agree on the crucial role childcare plays in promoting the participation of women in the labour market and narrowing the gender pay gap. For this reason, as part of their broader discussions on reconciliation of professional, private and family life, they have decided to launch their joint activities in this field with a letter on childcare sent to the European Commission in view of a communication on this issue, due in September 2008.
Building upon the 36 contributions received from social partner organisations in 24 EU countries plus Norway and Iceland, the European social partners recognise the need to invest more in childcare in order to improve the overall situation on the labour market in line with the objectives of the Lisbon strategy. While public authorities are mainly responsible for the provision of accessible, affordable and quality childcare services, the complementary role of the social partners is also highlighted through practical examples in the letter and its annex.
The European social partners call on the Commission and the Member States to monitor progress on the basis of National Reform Plans, and to make recommendations and take action accordingly.
- Joint letter from the European social partners
For more information please contact:
Maria Fernanda Fau, BUSINESSEUROPE Tel.:+32(0)2 237 65 62 www.businesseurope.eu
Francesco Longu, UEAPME Tel.:+32(0)2 230 75 99 www.ueapme.com
Emmanuelle Hardy, CEEP Tel.:+32(0)2 229 21 58
www.ceep.org
Patricia Grillo, ETUC Tel.:+32(0)2 224 04 30 www.etuc.org