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Episode 11 – Europe's Responsibility: Due Diligence Part 1

Episode 11 – Europe's Responsibility: Due Diligence Part 1

12m 45s

Almost exactly 10 years ago, the Rana Plaza textile factory in Bangladesh collapsed and claimed more than 1000 lives. Although this accident was not the first in a textile factory for international mass production, the circumstances and dimensions of the disaster drew attention to the production of clothing and triggered a wide-ranging debate on grievances in the global textile industry. below-average wages, excessively long working days and hardly any free time, unprotected handling of chemicals and a lack of fire safety regulations are just some of the problems in the industry. But the textile industry is not the only sector...

Episode 10 – Moldova: A country torn between East and West

Episode 10 – Moldova: A country torn between East and West

12m 9s

Before the war against Ukraine Moldova wasn’t on the radar of many people. This has changed dramatically. Since the Country has reached EU-Candidacy-status, EZA has reached out to trade unions there. In this episode of We Work Europe, you will get an impression of the challenges the small country has to face. It's about the influence of Russia, the state of social dialogue and the hope that a better future lies ahead with Moldova through EU integration.

Episode 9 - Interview with Dennis Radtke (EPP) and Agnes Jongerius (S&D)

Episode 9 - Interview with Dennis Radtke (EPP) and Agnes Jongerius (S&D)

21m 10s

Dennis Radtke (EPP) and Agnes Jongerius (S&D) are members of the European Parliament. Although they are in different parties they agree when it comes to minimum wages. In fact, they have been working together as co-rapporteurs for the directive on adequate minimum wages in the European Union: They were responsible for drawing up a report with amendment proposals to the Parliament’s Committee on Employment and had to present this report to the plenary; subsequently, they also represented the European Parliament in the negotiations between the Parliament and the Council.

That directive was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council...

Episode 8 – Trade Union 2.0 – a visit to Denmark part 2

Episode 8 – Trade Union 2.0 – a visit to Denmark part 2

13m 5s

KRIFA’s transition didn’t come out of the blue. In fact, they invested large sums into research. The findings seem to support KRIFA’s strategy as a service provider for a full work-life. There is one keyword which the Danes want to promote: Meaningfulness. Because they argue that having a meaningful job isn’t just good for your health but it’s also enriching society. In this episode you’ll find out how all these things are connected.

Episode 7 – Trade Union 2.0 – a visit to Denmark part 1

Episode 7 – Trade Union 2.0 – a visit to Denmark part 1

11m 43s

Since 2015 the Danish trade union KRIFA is in a huge transition. They want to reinvent themselves as a new service provider for well-being at work. However, many critics argue that KRIFA has given up what characterizes a trade union. The question remains how a labour organization can stay relevant in a country which has one of the highest developed social systems on earth. Time for a visit what could be trade union 2.0.

Episode 6 - Three months in a cabin for one week with the family

Episode 6 - Three months in a cabin for one week with the family

16m 21s

Four out of five goods are delivered to your home in a truck. Igor is one of those people driving a truck. He spends three months in the cabin of his vehicle in order to spend one week with his family in Kaunas, Lithuania. Igor is member of the trade union Solidarumas whose purpose is to assist drivers in need. In this episode you will listen to perspectives on road transportation from Igor, his family, representatives from Solidarumas and from the European Labour Authority.

Episode 5 - Interview with Christa Schweng

Episode 5 - Interview with Christa Schweng

21m 37s

Christa Schweng is President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). This institution is a consultative body of the EU. It describes itself as a bridge between Europe and organized civil society. In the interview we talked about the impact of the war in Ukraine on the EESC, about the role of youth in the EU and about the conference on the future of Europe.

Bulgaria: between emigration and protests

Bulgaria: between emigration and protests

12m 14s

Bulgaria’s population is shrinking. For decades people at working age are emigrating the country in hope for better working conditions and higher wages abroad. Some sectors like healthcare are dearly needed, yet the payments there stay on a low level. Protests increase, while trade unions like Podkrepa, a member of the EZA network, try to negotiate between workers, employers and the government. An episode about job perspectives in Bulgaria.

The future of the Welfare State

The future of the Welfare State

15m 43s

It’s something, that makes the EU unique. Its sophisticated design of the welfare state protects us from the risks of life such as unemployment, illness, and aging. Some people argue it’s too expensive and its funding inhibits economic growth. Scientists from HIVA and EUROFOUND would strongly disagree. In this episode, we’ll find out that the contrary is true. The welfare state is an economic and social advantage, and we should put lots of effort into reinforcing it.

The Amazon System

The Amazon System

17m 34s

Millions of products are just a mouse click away. It just takes us one or two days of waiting until we’ll get our product delivered by Amazon. It’s a comfortable system for us as customers. But how about the people working there? In this episode, we talk to Ellen Reese and Jake Alimahomed-Wilson who published a book about Amazon’s system: The Cost of Free Shipping – Amazon in the Global Economy. We also listen to the insights of Norbert Faltin, a former works council at Amazon to find out how dangerous Amazon is for workers but also for the democracy...