The ETUC co-organized an awareness event around standardization and its relevance for trade unions with affiliate UNI Europa, the European Services Workers Union.
Standards impact the conditions and quality of life of workers. Think of criteria that define the safe use of ladders at work – in the EU, these are specified in technical standards. Considering that ladders are used by workers across Europe, either in the construction sector or in the cleaning sector, it clearly constitutes an occupational health and safety issue. This is one of multiple examples that points to the relevance and need for trade union involvement in technical standardization activities, in order to ensure that the voice of workers is effectively brought to the table.
The meeting took place on 4 October and was attended by over 40 participants. Over the course of 3 hours, presentations covered the basics of standardization, the political context that surrounds it, the implications for workers, and practical examples highlighting the relevance for trade union involvement in steering the content of standards that affect workers and their working conditions.
