Workers demand EU procurement reform for better pay

The demonstration coincided with an open letter from over 100 economists advocating for reforms in EU public procurement rules to enhance collective bargaining and improve labor conditions. These economists argue that focusing solely on price neglects crucial social criteria such as labor rights.

UNI Europa's research indicates that half of all public tenders in the EU are awarded based on price alone. Oliver Roethig from UNI Europa emphasized that these practices create low wages and social precarity across Europe.

Enrico Somaglia from EFFAT criticized awarding contracts based solely on price as empowering exploitative businesses. Estelle Ceulemans and Kim van Sparrentak, both members of the European Parliament, expressed support for reforming procurement rules to protect workers' rights.

Li Andersson stressed that improving working conditions must be prioritized within Europe's social model: “Competitiveness can’t turn into a euphemism for low wages and unfair working conditions – that must be our message to president Ursula von der Leyen.”

The rally was organized by several trade unions across Europe, including UNI Europa and EFFAT. Recent surveys commissioned by UNI highlight significant challenges faced by cleaning professionals and security officers regarding pay and work conditions.

UNI Europa represents seven million service workers across Europe, while EFFAT advocates for more than 22 million workers in food-related industries across 35 countries.