29 November 2023
The European Commission has published a final recommendation addressing the impact of automation and digitalisation on the transport workforce. This recommendation, which comes from Action Point 69 of the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, proposes several measures, including raising awareness, retraining and upskilling workers, improving working conditions, managing change and facilitating the transition through funding.
A workshop was held in March 2023 to collect input from various stakeholders on the final text of the recommendation. The Commission recommends that employer organisations actively disseminate relevant information on the social implications of automation and digitalisation to their affiliates, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Employers are encouraged to promote the upgrading and retraining of their workforce, using the resources and programmes available at European, national and local level.
Furthermore, the Commission emphasises the crucial role of social dialogue as a key aspect of this transition, stressing that it should be supported by all parties involved, including employer organisations, trade unions and public authorities. The overall objective is to address the challenges posed by automation and digitalization, while ensuring a socially responsible and inclusive approach to workforce adaptation.