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What the consultation will focus on
The Commission is asking social partners for views on five priority areas for future EU action:
- Algorithmic management and artificial intelligence at work – making automated decisions more transparent and human-centred, and protecting employees from excessive monitoring.
- Safety and health at work – updating rules for workplaces outside traditional offices and tackling risks such as extreme heat and psychosocial hazards, including sexual harassment.
- Workers’ rights in subcontracting chains – improving transparency, liability and enforcement to prevent labour exploitation.
- Fair digital and green transitions – supporting skills development and social dialogue so workers are not left behind when companies adapt to a changing economy.
- Enforcement and role of social partners – strengthening labour inspections, sanctions for non-compliance, and social dialogue.
Second-stage consultation on Quality Jobs Act
Commission Staff Working Document accompanying the second-stage consultation on Quality Jobs Act
Role of social partners and next steps
The second-phase consultation runs until 28 September 2026. After this, social partners may decide to start negotiations to reach a joint agreement.
The first-stage consultation took place in December 2025 and January 2026, with input from 34 EU-level social partners – 12 trade unions and 22 employer organisations.
Quality Jobs Act
The Quality Jobs Act is a part of broader strategy to enhance EU competitiveness and prosperity and was announced by President Ursula von der Leyen in her 2025 State of the Union address. The proposal will be presented later this year.
Related links
- Publication date
- 20 July 2026
- Author
- Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion