EuroCommerce Position Paper on the future Quality Jobs Roadmap

Retailers and wholesalers think it is important for the future Quality Jobs Roadmap to address the current context and challenges faced by retailers and wholesalers, while also supporting the competitiveness of companies in the EU, ultimately leading to job creation.

It is essential to reconcile the economic and social agendas. The needs of workers - especially those of new generations - are evolving, with preferences and expectations changing rapidly.

Clinging to outdated narratives risks making our approaches ineffective and out of touch, particularly amid the labour shortages the EU is facing.

Defining what constitutes a “quality job” is challenging, as it is highly subjective. It is important to avoid a “one-size-fits-all” approach, since attempting to define a “quality job” may not be realistic in every context. For example, part-time contracts, which are sometimes criticised, can offer valuable benefits and flexibility that should be considered within a broader
perspective.

Quality employment also exists beyond collective agreements, and any approach should reflect the diverse labour market arrangements across Member States and sectors. Social dialogue - grounded in its voluntary nature and mutual trust - is central. Social partners are uniquely positioned to understand the specific needs and challenges of their sectors or companies.

To prepare workers, social partners play a crucial role in managing the change brought by the digital and sustainability transition, as well as the need for new skills. Specifically, they can play a role in ensuring that AI serves as a tool for empowerment, not just for business efficiency, but also for workers’ well-being.

The principle of subsidiarity is crucial, as many aspects of employment - such as wages, training, social protection, and the enforcement of labour standards - fall under the competence of EU member states. This will also help manage expectations and feasibility, to ensure a fair balance to fit with the different sizes of companies and proximity to those making decisions.