Quelle: HBS
27 February 2025: 14th Workers' Voice Breakfast
How to organise the future of work in circumstances of a multitude of challenges
The Hans-Böckler-Foundation cordially invites participants to the next Workers’ Voice Breakfast on Thursday, 27 February 2025, from 08:30 to 10:00, at Otone European Affairs, Square Ambiorix 44, Brussels. The event will feature Matthias Krebs, Chairman of the Europaforum at Evonik Industries AG.
The discussion will focus on how to organise the future of work in times of multiple, simultaneous challenges — including global competition, new regulations, technological change, and shifting value chains within the European Single Market. One of the most pressing issues for companies is the growing labour shortage, especially in sectors requiring shift work, such as the chemical industry. Night shifts and stressful working conditions make it increasingly difficult to attract and retain qualified employees.
In this context, European Works Councils play a crucial role. Beyond cost-cutting discussions, the focus must be on developing sustainable strategies for the future of company sites and plants. Integrating workers’ perspectives and other stakeholders’ interests is essential to ensuring the long-term viability of business locations — a key factor in attracting skilled labour.
The event will address questions such as:
What role can Workers’ Voice and European Works Councils play in improving working and shift conditions?
How can workers’ representatives drive discussions on the future prospects of company plants?
Matthias Krebs will give an introductory presentation on these issues and on how workers’ participation can contribute to meeting these challenges. The presentation will be followed by a discussion and exchange among participants.
The event will take place in German. Coffee and croissants will be served. Participants are kindly asked to confirm attendance by 25 February 2025.