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In order to fight inflation in the EU, the ECB has raised the key interest rate several times. But it is precisely these interest rate hikes that could have a negative impact on workers and small and medium-sized enterprises. In this episode we talk to experts from NGOs, trade unions and politicians about the rate hikes, the ECB's role, the impact of the rate hike and a possible downward spiral in wages.

This is the second episode of EZA's two-parter on due diligence and Europe's responsibility in in international supply chains.

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...

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...

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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’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.