Díaz strengthens dialogue with her Dutch counterpart with a view to the Spanish presidency of the EU

Social Dialogue

Díaz explained to her Dutch colleague the priorities of the Spanish presidency of the EU that will start in July. Social Dialogue, democracy at work and the Social Economy will be three of the focal points of the Labour portfolio. It will also seek to make progress in debates of great relevance in the labour market, such as mental health and job insecurity.

"The Social Europe that has emerged with the pandemic is very relevant for the future of the European bloc. With a view to the European presidency, we are already working to emphasise Social Dialogue and the Social Economy", said Díaz.

The Dutch minister expressed her support for the measures to be undertaken by Spain during the European presidency to promote Social Dialogue as a structuring instrument for tripartite agreements, as well as initiatives to promote the Social Economy.

In addition, Van Gennip stressed the importance of addressing key issues for the future of the labour market such as mental health and basic conditions for decent work.

Working on digital platforms

Regarding the future directive on work on digital platforms, Díaz insisted on the importance of defending an adequate regulation on the presumption of employment for workers on these platforms. After leading the initiative in Brussels that seeks an employment relationship without subterfuge, both ministers have pledged to make further progress in the search for a way forward for its approval.

"It is essential to support a directive that includes a strong presumption of employment in order to face the labour market of the future with employment rights for all workers", said the minister, who has seen her position strengthened after the approval in the European Parliament of a proposal for a directive with postulates that are similar to the law on work on digital platforms already in force in Spain.

Van Gennip and Díaz, who are holding their second bilateral meeting following the one held last September, have indicated their intention to continue with a reinforced dialogue on this matter.

Labour Reform and SMI

The Dutch minister also expressed her interest in the labour reform approved in Spain a little over a year ago and congratulated the minister on the good results achieved with this new legislation to regulate the labour market.

For his part, Díaz welcomed the increase in the Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI) of 10.51% from January 2023. The measure has been supported by several studies analysing economic factors and productivity.

"The increase in the minimum wage has proven to be an effective tool in the fight against wage inequality and also to reduce the gender gap," Díaz insisted.

Non official translation