Last week, on 16 January, the European Labour Authority (ELA) held its annual outreach event for social partners in Brussels, to which EBC was invited next to several other SME or construction representatives.
After the opening remarks by the ELA Executive Director Cosmin Boiangiu, the event started with a recap on the mandate, activities, priorities of the Agency, as well as a presentation of its 2024 Work programme. The ELA team also took this occasion to present its Brussels Liaison Office and the process for social partners to present cases to the ELA to improve enforcement activities. The new ELA representative in Brussels addressed participants and expressed her availability to work with all relevant stakeholders and make the link with the ELA headquarters.
The ELA also announced the launch of its 3rd newsletter sampling its activities aiming at contributing to effective and fair labour mobility in the EU. With the construction sector having been in the focus of the ELA’s work during 2023, a particular angle is reserved for our sector in this edition.
During the consequent tour de table on the priorities of the sectoral social partners regarding cooperation with the ELA, SME representatives, including EBC, shared their willingness to enhance cooperation with this Agency in the years to come. The EFBWW, the European trade union for building and wood workers, noted their support in strengthening the role of the ELA in combating cross-border issues including social fraud and exploitation. EBC stated its willingness to further contributing to the current initiatives on Posting of Workers and the ones on Social Security announced for the coming year, as both topics hold particular importance for construction SMEs and crafts.
EBC looks forward to a continuous dialogue with the ELA considering its increasing importance in dealing with mobility, labour, and inspection issues in the construction sector.
