Chapter 19- Social Policy and Employment

Updated: 17/02/2020

Chapter 19- Social Policy and Employment

Content of the Chapter

Chapter 19- Social Policy and Employment aims at increasing employment, improving working and living conditions, establishing social protection mechanisms at appropriate level, promoting dialogue with social partners, developing human resources in order to ensure sustainable employment, combating poverty and social exclusion and providing equal opportunity for men and women.

In this context, this chapter includes policy areas such as labour law, occupational health and safety, equality between women and men, anti-discrimination, social dialogue, employment, social inclusion and protection.

Current Stage of the Negotiations on the Chapter

In the period of German Presidency of the European Union Council (19 January 2007), two opening benchmarks were determined to be fulfilled in order to be able to open negotiations for this chapter.

The first benchmark is about ensuring full trade union rights in line with EU standards and relevant ILO conventions in particular as regards the right to organize, the right to strike and the right to bargain collectively both in public and private sectors.

Second benchmark is the submission of an action plan for the gradual implementation and enforcement of the relevant acquis for the benefit of the entire workforce.

Regarding the first benchmark, two laws were enacted to ensure full trade union rights in line with EU standards. The Law on Trade Unions and Collective Labour Agreements numbered 6356 entered into force upon its publication in the Official Gazette No. 28460 of 07 November 2012. The Law amending the Public Servants’ Trade Unions Act entered into force upon its publication in the Official Gazette No.28261 of 11 April 2012.

Concerning the second opening benchmark, the action plan was prepared and sent to the European Commission.

Relevant Subcommittee Meetings

Sub-Committee No. 7 Regional Development, Employment and Social Policy

Screening Process

Presentations at Explanatory Screening Meeting (8-10 February 2006)
Presentations at Bilateral Screening Meeting (20-22 March 2006)

The Answers Given to European Commission at Screening Meetings (PDF Format – 731 KB)

Screening Report (PDF Format-117 KB)

Useful Links

For more information regarding EU Employment and Social Policy: https://europa.eu/european-union/topics/employment-social-affairs_en

https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=1&langId=en

International Labour Organisation (ILO)

https://www.ilo.org/global/publications/lang--en/index.htm