UNI Europa has responded to the European Commission’s recently published 2026 work programme, highlighting several priorities and concerns for workers in Europe.
The organization welcomed the Commission’s intention to revise public procurement rules. UNI Europa stated that these changes should ensure public contracts—representing about 15 percent of the EU’s GDP—are used to secure better working conditions through collective agreements. The group criticized current rules, saying they disadvantage companies that respect collective agreements by often awarding contracts to the lowest bidder. UNI Europa called on the Commission to heed input from the European Parliament, sectoral social partners, economists, and citizens who believe procurement policies should help improve living standards across Europe.
UNI Europa also expressed support for the proposed Quality Jobs Act as a means to strengthen collective bargaining. “In line with the ETUC, we urge that this package ensures a just transition and anticipation and management of change, regulates AI in the workplace based on the ‘human-in-control’ principle and prevents psycho-social risks and tackles the epidemic of stress at work,” said UNI Europa.
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