Workers' Rights
The rapid technological progress of recent decades has significantly transformed the labor landscape. Flexible forms of work, new types of labor relations, and uneven development at the European level have created a series of modern labor issues, such as the unequal distribution of development profits, workers of multiple speeds, and modern forms of exploitation. These inequalities undermine the welfare of workers and hinder the creation of a cohesive social fabric. The evident lack of adequate European social cohesion mechanisms further exacerbates the situation, preventing the concentration of resources and efforts needed to address common challenges. As a result, poverty continues to remain at relatively high levels, tarnishing the EU's reputation as a stronghold of prosperity and equality.
For these modern problems, modern solutions are required. At the core of its political program, Volt, among other things, proposes:
Harmonizing European social welfare systems with the provision of universal child care, shared parental leave, and transferable pension rights.
Strengthening the protection of the rights of platform workers (gig workers) and self-employed individuals, requiring member states to protect them either in the same way as full-time employees or to create similar protection regarding social security, unemployment benefits, and retirement.
The right to remote work. Employers must accept employees' requests for remote work unless a reasonable and justifiable reason is provided for not doing so.
Modern education that introduces entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and digital skills in schools.
Democracy in workplaces, requiring employee participation in the boards of large companies, promoting union organization, and supporting cooperative initiatives.
Volt's policies aim to create a highly productive, fair, and secure working environment for all citizens. The use of technologies such as automation, artificial intelligence, and green technologies will enhance labor productivity, resulting in new types of jobs, higher wages, and reduced working hours. Ensuring that EU citizens have the necessary skills and education for these technologies will help their adoption for the benefit of workers. Remote work can unlock the full potential of the labor market, and strong workers' rights will guarantee fair wages and working conditions for all workers, aligning standards across the entire European bloc.