On 16 April, the European Commission launched a structured consultation with social partners to shape a new Quality Jobs Roadmap, aiming to strengthen job quality across the EU. The initiative, announced by Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness Roxana Mînzatu, will cover areas stretching from working conditions, wages, skills and job transition, social protection, and career development.
As part of the opening exchange involving around 40 representatives from sectoral and EU-level social partners, Ceemet – representing Europe’s metal, engineering and technology-based industries – took the opportunity to underline the essential link between competitiveness and sustainable job quality. Ceemet reiterated its strong commitment to quality employment, while underlining the need for a competitiveness-first approach that delivers for both companies and workers.
Speaking to Commissioner Roxana Mînzatu on behalf of Ceemet, Director General Delphine Rudelli welcomed the Quality Jobs Roadmap initiative and the inclusive process behind it. “The vast majority of European companies already provide quality jobs,” Delphine Rudelli stressed, pointing to Europe’s high labour standards, comprehensive health and safety framework, and well-established national labour models as a strong foundation for the discussion.
However, Ceemet cautions against the assumption that regulation alone can ensure job quality. Quality jobs are not created through legislation alone. They emerge from competitive enterprises in strong economies operating in a regulatory environment that supports innovation and resilience.
Skills and health & safety must remain key pillars
In her intervention, Ceemet Director General highlighted two critical areas that require ongoing attention: skills development and health and safety.
On skills, Ceemet called for a holistic and flexible approach. With too many workers – particularly those in SMEs and among the low-skilled – at risk of being left behind in the green and digital transitions, targeted support is essential. Ceemet advocates for sector-specific upskilling, easier SME access to funding, and training that aligns with labour market realities.
Regarding health and safety, Delphine Rudelli emphasised the strength of the existing EU legal framework, which already includes an impressive set of Directives on workplace safety. She called for improved implementation and enforcement rather than additional legislation. “Quality jobs require quality enforcement,” she noted, adding that sectoral social dialogue remains key to ensuring fit-for-purpose protections.
Social partners’ role in Quality Jobs Roadmap initiatives
On the role of social partners, Ceemet Director General reaffirmed that they must play a central role in shaping and delivering the roadmap, but at the appropriate level. Therefore, social dialogue and collective bargaining are tools for meaningful change, but they shouldn’t be imposed by legislation.
While welcoming broader considerations such as social protection, work-life balance, and flexible working conditions, Delphine Rudelli concluded Ceemet’s contribution by calling for a pragmatic outlook. The definition of a ‘quality job’ is subjective, but the core ingredients are clear: competitive businesses, engaged social partners, and workers equipped for change. “Europe already has a strong base. The task now is to connect, scale and empower — and to do so together.”
Ceemet is looking forward to continuing to exchange with the European Commission and social partners over the next few months to shape the best possible version of the Quality Jobs Roadmap.