VOICE OF THE
WORKERS ISSUE 15 APRIL 2014
EDITOR’S NOTE JOSEF VELLA
Contents
Right step towards the future 02 The movement of workers: What is it about? 03 Facilitating Worker Mobility
05
Promoting worker mobility in the EU 08 Worker Mobility: Costs vs Benefits 09 Worker Mobility Issues across the European Union
10
Freedom vs Hobson’s choice WELCOME TO ISSUE NUMBER 15 OF THE VOICE OF THE WORKER MAGAZINE Environmentalist Roger Tory Peterson once said, “Birds have wings; they’re free; they can fly where they want when they want. They have the kind of mobility many people envy”. Being flexible enough to move from one place to another has its distinct advantages. The possibility of worker mobility within the European Union is, in principle, is one of the advantages of having the possibility of free movement. It enhances skill transfer, better conditions and pay, as well as cross-cultural communication. However, the economic crisis as well as economic and social disparity, gave another definition to worker mobility. Workers took advantage of the possibility of free movement to escape VOICE OF THE
WORKERS
poverty, unemployment and lack of opportunity. This was the case with young people. However, since a lot of EU states were having issues with youth unemployment, many workers either had to turn back, or were stuck without the possibility of any real alternatives. This gave rise to low paid, precarious work, as well as exploitation. Much more can be done to improve the situation. Workers should be moving between different states and regions for the right reasons. And having no choice is not a good reason. On a national level, we need to make sure that our workers have all the skills and training necessary to enable them to be
flexible to labour market needs. This will avoid the scenario of ‘no choice’ mobility, that will turn into migration. On a European level, states need to work more together. The Conference on Youth Unemployment organized by the UHM a few days ago, brought together delegates from the workers’ sector in twelve European States. We had the opportunity to learn from each other, and discuss ways of how these issues can be handled. Worker mobility, unemployment, economic p-erformance and social issues cannot be tackled on their own as if they are mutually exclusive. We need to be wise and proactive. It is here that we can really take advantage of beneficial worker mobility. Enjoy! 1
EDITORIAL
Right Step towards the Future The possibility of worker mobility should bring about better opportunities for persons seeking better pastures. They should be opening the door to a better life and a better future. However, we must ensure that this mobility is not the product of a lack of choice, or an escape from misery or uneomployment. Worker mobility and personal dignity have to walk hand in hand. Skills, training, and education are the best tools to achieving the benefits of real worker mobility: movement arising out of real choice. VOICE OF THE
WORKERS
2
WORKER MOBILITY – FEATURE
THE MOVEMENT OF WORKERS:
what is it about?
WORKER MOBILITY IS DEFINED AS THE ‘GEOGRAPHICAL AND OCCUPATIONAL MOVEMENT OF WORKERS.’
Geographical Mobility happens when a worker moves from one place to another within a country or from one country to another. On the other hand, Occupational Mobility refers to the movement of workers from one occupation to another. This mobility is further divided into the following two types. Horizontal Mobility is the movement of labour from one occupation to another in the same grade or level . e.g. a bank clerk joins as an accounts clerk in a company. On the other hand, Vertical Mobility happens when a worker of a lower grade and status in an occupation moves to VOICE OF THE
WORKERS
another occupation in a higher grade and status. Worker mobility also happens between industries. The European Union encourages this mobility, and helps persons seeking work across member countries through its EURES programme. There are distinct advantages to worker mobility. These include: • Workers can choose to work in other locations on the basis of finding work that is more adapted to their expertise; • Workers can access jobs that pay more, and conditions of work are more favourable; • On a European aspect, worker mobility allows for the cross-
germination of ideas and skills across borders, bringing opportunities to skill transfer between one region and another. This also allows for more efficient allocation of resources; • It may solve the unemployment problem when workers move to places where they are wanted; • Worker mobility also brings together different cultures, work ethic and lifestyles. Worker mobility is a very important contributor to the celebration of diversity; • Worker mobility has proven to be a forceful driver of innovation; 3
Worker mobility becomes successful according to the lack of impediments to such mobility. There are different aspects that can impede workers from being mobile. These include: • Physical and mental abilities • Educational opportunities • Personal outlook of workers • Legislation • Political impediments • Social and historical impediments. • Minimum wage laws that prevent unskilled workers, willing to work below minimum, from entering workforce. • Inadequate infrastructure and housing • Binding ties to a geographic location. e.g.: a worker’s
•
• • •
inability to sell his home for a price that covers his existing mortgage National and regional differences in the qualifications necessary for different jobs Lack of standards for skills and vocations Discrimination based on citizenship or national origin Discrimination based on social class
There is also an aspect of worker mobility that is arising out of the economic and social realities prevalent around the world, including within European countries. In countries where unemployment is very high, workers tend to try to find
greener pastures in other states in Europe. This may lead to severe brain drains, as well as an effect on the demographics of the particular country, especially if the mobile workers are young people. For example, a survey in Serbia found that one in three young workers want to leave the country to find work abroad. Poland, which is an EU member state, is experiencing mass migration to other countries within the EU, such as the United Kingdom. On the other hand, the host country might be accepting workers who are of lower cost than domestic workers. This can lead to not just to increased local unemployment, but also a downward shift in the general conditions of the labour market.
“In countries where unemployment is very high, workers tend to try to find greener pastures in other states in Europe. This may lead to severe brain drains, as well as an effect on the demographics of the particular country, especially if the mobile workers are young people”
VOICE OF THE
WORKERS
4
THE MALTESE ECONOMY
Facilitating Worker Mobility:
EURES MALTA
INTERVIEW WITH NICOLA CINI, DEPARTMENT MANAGER, JOBSEEKERS’ ADVISORY SERVICES AT THE EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING CORPORATION (ETC) What are the main objectives of EURES Malta? EURES Malta has been up and running since the 1st May 2004, the office falls within the responsibility of the Jobseekers’ Advisors Services of the Employment and Training Corporation. EURES, the European Employment Services is a cooperation network designed to facilitate the free movement of workers within the European Economic Area; Switzerland is also involved. Through these services the ETC provides free advice and VOICE OF THE
WORKERS
access to employment services to facilitate the free movement of all those who wish to work in another European country, the EURES network in its entirety is composed of over 800 trained EURES advisors. The main objectives of EURES Malta are : • to inform, guide and provide advice to potentially mobile workers on job opportunities as well as living and working conditions in the European Economic Area; • to assist employers wishing to recruit workers from other countries; and
In your opinion, what can worker mobility contribute to the benefit of the EU? On a European level, worker mobility can provide more flexibility to the labour markets of both the host countries and the countries of origin. The underlying aim behind worker mobility is to help reduce economic bottle necks in turn resulting in a host country’s economy to function better by addressing skills shortages. In a recent event, László ANDOR, European Commissioner responsible for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion 5
highlighted this by saying: This is because people can move quickly to countries where there is a labour shortage and can return to their own country if the host country’s labour-market situation deteriorates or the situation in their country of origin becomes more attractive. http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_ SPEECH-14-115_en.htm
On the other hand, from a jobseeker’s level, mobility can also prove to be an interesting employment option for those who are either finding it hard to find a job in their country of origin, or those who wish to gain experience, fully utilise their skills and knowledge or to follow a career which may be unavailable in their country of origin. Studies show that mobility flows are in fact mainly driven by job opportunities available in the host countries. Through its services, EURES aims to facilitate mobility. This can only be achieved if all member states cooperate and readily share information. This is something EURES strives to achieve through its network.
Are there some sectors where mobility may be easier to achieve? Mobility in sectors which within the current economic climate are easier to achieve include ICT, Engineering and positions within the health sector. There are certain countries that also require persons to work within the hospitality industry at various levels. However we need to keep in mind that the labour markets are volatile and opportunities in other sectors exist. EURES services aim to help interested jobseekers find such opportunities within the EU based on their personal profiles. From your experience, what are the major stumbling blocks to Maltese workers working abroad? Way back on 2007 EURES Malta carried out a research study on local obstacles to mobility.
Participants were asked which of the following would be the main difficulties that would discourage people to work abroad, the following provides a summary of the answers. What type of issues do foreign workers find if they wish to find a job in Malta with the help of EURES? One of main problems is the language barrier. Although English is widely used locally, there are a number of jobs where basic Maltese is necessary. If a person is interested in working abroad, how does the process work? A jobseeker or job changer is encouraged to contact the EURES Malta office to set an appointment. During the first meeting we inform jobseekers about the services EURES Malta offers, guide them through the various tools available to
ETC - EURES Malta, Research study on obstacles to mobility (2007)
Given the current economic climate at EU level, how easy is worker mobility in general? At the moment, worker mobility is easier for jobseekers and job changers who are either highly skilled or who possess certain skills, knowledge and competencies that help bridge the gap in areas where there are shortages within the EU labour market. It is important to note that areas of shortage and skill gaps vary significantly from one European country to another and that is why EURES facilitates the sharing of such information on different levels within the network. VOICE OF THE
WORKERS
http://etc.gov.mt/Resources/file/Resources/2007%20-%20ETC_Research_Study%20on%20 obstacles%20to%20mobility.pdf 6
them and encourage them to visit the EURES Portal https:// ec.europa.eu/eures/page/ homepage?lang=en to get as much information about employment opportunities available in other EURES member states.
They are also encouraged to visit the Social Security Department (International Relations Unit) where they can obtain the necessary documents they will need to take with them, and also guided to inform the Inland Revenue before they go.
A recent activity was EURES’ participation during the ETC Employment and Training Fair held toward the end of March. In fact during this last activity EURES Malta filmed a presentation on EURES Malta services which can now be accessed online.
Together with the EURES Advisors they are invited to do an initial search on the vacancies available on the portal. The portal also provides information about EURES Advisors in other European Countries, about the living and working conditions in each of the Member States etc...
If need be, they are also guided to get the equivalence/recognitions of any certifications they may have by contacting the competent authorities in the countries they are moving to.
On a European level, what, do you think can be done to make worker mobility easier? A new EURES Portal has been recently launched. Interested persons can access the following article which described this new Portal: http://bit.ly/EURESnew
Jobseekers are also encouraged to read about rights and obligations in relation to social security taxation and mobility amongst others. This information is readily available to them through the Commission website http:// ec.europa.eu/. VOICE OF THE
WORKERS
What initiatives does EURES Malta take to encourage a better uptake of its services? EURES Malta markets its services through various media. We also organize a number of information sessions and other activities which allow us to pass on information to interested persons.
There are also tutorials explaining the new features and how to navigate through the portal for : • Jobseekers: http://tinyurl.com/ o3a7kp9 • Employers: http://tinyurl.com/ njkcknd 7
MEUSAC
PROMOTING
worker mobility in the EU “With much higher levels of unemployment in some Member States than others at the moment, it is all the more important to make it easier for those that want to work in another EU country to be able to do so”. These are the words of EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, László Andor who, back in 2013, was speaking against the backdrop of policy makers searching for ways to boost economic growth and fight record levels of unemployment. The EU sees workers’ mobility as a key element in its agenda for a more competitive European economy. However, mobility figures have not changed significantly over the last 30 years and figures are still ‘stuck’ at 3.3% of the EU labour force living and working in another EU country. In an effort to increase worker mobility, the new funding programme Erasmus+ aims to boost skills and employability,
as well as modernising Education, Training and Youth work. One of these strands is the ‘Vocational and Educational Training (VET) Learners and Staff’ which is open to both apprentices and students in vocational training schools. Through VET projects, learners undertake a vocational training element in another country and are hosted either at a workplace or at a VET School. Staff can either participate in a teaching/training assignment, or take part in a staff training activity which supports the professional development of VET staff in the form of a work placement or job shadowing. Also, part of Erasmus+ is the ‘Mobility Project for Adult Education Staff’. This project allows those involved in adult education to either teach or provide training at a partner organisation, or to take part in training related to the professional development of
adult education staff. This training is undertaken by participation in structured courses or training events, or through job shadowing. Erasmus+ also provides for the mobility of youth workers through the activity, ‘Youth Workers’ Training and Networking’. This activity supports the professional development of youth workers in the form of participation in seminars, training courses and contact-making events, and job shadowing periods in an organisation active in the youth field. In a nutshell, the Erasmus+ programme aims to boost skills employability and mobility. With a budget of €14.7 billion, the sevenyear programme will provide opportunities for over 4 million Europeans to study, train, gain work experience and volunteer abroad. This will go a long way towards reaching the EU’s goal of having a more competitive economy in Europe.
MEUSAC 280 Republic Street, Valletta VLT 1112 Tel: +356 2200 3315 • Fax: +356 2200 3329 • Email: info.meusac@gov.mt www.meusac.gov.mt VOICE OF THE
WORKERS
8
MCESD
Worker Mobility:
Costs vs Benefits
Globalisation has led to the movement of human resources, a reality in all countries across the globe. With EU membership in 2004, Malta has opened up an extensive area of possibilities to its citizens. The free movement of workers is one of the four freedoms which are championed by the European Union and it has helped Malta to integrate further with its EU counterparts. The free movement of workers principle has reduced the geographical burdens that are associated with labour mobility. Even though numerous actions have been taken to help in this regard, some say that mobility within the EU is still limited. Worker Mobility provides further prospects for workers in terms of career advancements and education possibilities. It has become a positive contributor to the economy mainly since it encourages further knowledge transfer and shows labour market flexibility. It can also help alleviate the unemployment problems in certain EU states.
Such mobility helps both workers and employers in adapting in the continuously changing work environments and has also helped in addressing skills shortages problems in certain sectors even in Malta. Locally, numerous individuals have been seeking employment elsewhere in the EU. EURES has been playing a key role in Malta in this regard. However the number of individuals going to other European states is still relatively low. With Malta’s island characteristics, family ties and commuting time have contributed to this.
MCESD 280/3, Republic Street, Valletta, VLT1112 Tel: (+356) 2200 3300 www.mcesd.org.mt VOICE OF THE
WORKERS
Awareness and information campaigns can be of a positive contributor to help increase mobility to the EU. Another positive aspect of labour mobility is the fact that they are contributing to countries which are characterised by an ageing population who benefit from incoming worker mobility. Due to lack of family responsibilities Youths probably find it much easier to work in another EU country, this helps alleviate the European youth unemployment phenomenon. Some say that extensive worker mobility may lead to a brain drain in a particular country. However, one can conclude that the potential gains one can benefit from, outweigh the losses associated with worker mobility.
9
Worker Mobility Issues across the European Union
Consultation on a “European Area of Skills and Qualifications” The objective of the consultation is to collect the views of stakeholders and individuals on the problems faced by learners and workers with regard to the transparency and recognition of their skills and qualifications when moving within and between EU Member States, on the adequacy of the related European policies and instruments and on the potential benefits of developing a “European Area of Skills and Qualifications”. The consultation will remain open until 15 April 2014. Please go to: http://tinyurl.com/q4lbsx8
Press release from László ANDOR, European Commissioner responsible for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, on Labour Mobility in the European Union – The Inconvenient Truth. The press release is availiable here: http://tinyurl.com/njql6pk
PRESS RELEASE
Consultation on introducing the European Professional Card (EPC) for nurses, doctors, pharmacists, physiotherapists, engineers, mountain guides & real estate agents The consultation will remain open until the 2nd of June 2014. Please go to: http://tinyurl.com/pkg6n35
Working conditions and job quality: Comparing sectors in Europe – The overview report published by Eurofound is available here: http://tinyurl.com/o7xs94q
DOCUMENTS
CONSULTATIONS
The movement of different types of workers across different areas of the European Union brings with it a host of issues and needs. Among these are the differences in qualifications across EU members states, social security issues, as well as an interesting press release by László ANDOR, European Commissioner responsible for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. This information was clooected by the Brussels Office of the Confederazione Italiana Agricoltori.
Online Journal on Free Movement of Workers within the European Union – no 7 of the 11February 2014is available at the following link: http://tinyurl.com/oeh6soh This edition of the journal focuses on focuses on a) the right of residence and access to social benefits for jobseekers seeking work in another Member State, b) the retention of worker status where the migrant has been employed and is involuntarily unemployed and c) the impact of differential social security systems and taxation on the welfare of frontier workers in the EU
VOICE OF THE
WORKERS
www.voiceoftheworkers.eu
Like us on Facebook for real-time updates
Operational Programme II - Cohesion Policy 2007-2013 Empowering People for More Jobs and a Better Quality of Life Project part-financed by the European Union European Social Fund (ESF) Co-financing rate: 72.25% EU, 12.75 MT, 15% Private Funds Investing in your future VOICE OF THE
WORKERS
11