On 30 March 2021, EFEE attended the Liaison Forum of the European Commission Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL), which took place online. The Liaison Forum brings together EU sectoral social partners for exchanging good practices across sectors and following developments in EU policy making with regards to employment and social affairs.

On this occasion, the Liaison Forum was entirely dedicated to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). The meeting was opened by a keynote speech from Ms Zinta Podniece, Deputy Head of Health and Safety Unit B.3 at DG EMPL, who gave an overview of the latest developments within the new Occupational Health and Safety Strategic Framework 2021-2027. The Framework, which is set to be published in June 2021, will take into consideration the many lessons learned from the impact of the twin transitions and the Covid-19 pandemic on OSH. Subsequently, several representatives from EU-OSHA presented the broad range of analytical resources as well as practical tools they offer social partners with regards to creating safe workplace environments. Moreover, they introduced participants to the Healthy Workplaces Campaign 2020-2021, to which the sectoral social partners in education are partners.

Lastly, the Liaison Forum was closed with an overview of the latest developments in social policy. Participants were updated on new initiatives, including the first comprehensive EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child and the proposal for a Council Recommendation on a European Child Guarantee (adopted on 24 March). As a final highlight, the Commission informed the participants on the publication dates of the social dialogue call for proposals, which is set to be published in April.

The next Liaison Forum meeting will take place on 18 May.

For more details, please contact isaline.ossieur@educationemployers.eu