ILO Chief Urges EU Ministers to Put Fair Employment at the Heart of Social Justice

The Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Gilbert F. Houngbo, has called on European Union Ministers and social partners to place fair employment at the centre of social justice, warning that persistent inequality and in-work poverty threaten Europe's long-term stability, cohesion, and peace.

Speaking at the opening plenary of the informal meeting of EU Ministers for Employment and Social Affairs (EPSCO), Houngbo stressed that social justice is not only a moral imperative but also an essential investment in economic security and democratic resilience.

"Social justice and fair employment are the foundation of social cohesion and an investment in countries' long-term stability and prosperity," Houngbo said.

Urgent Challenges: Gender Gaps, Poverty and Barriers to Work

Houngbo warned that major labour market challenges across Europe require urgent action. Despite strong EU frameworks, millions of workers continue to face inequality and insecurity.

Key concerns highlighted included:

• Persistent gender inequality, including ongoing gender pay gaps

• Barriers to employment, particularly affecting young people, migrants, and persons with disabilities

• In-work poverty, which continues to impact millions across the EU despite having a job

The meeting focused on building "fair, inclusive and future-oriented employment and social policies" and was chaired by the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

International Labour Standards Must Remain the Foundation

Houngbo emphasized that fair employment must be rooted firmly in international labour standards. He urged Europe to accelerate the ratification of two fundamental ILO occupational safety and health conventions:

• Convention No. 155 on Occupational Safety and Health

• Convention No. 187 on the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health

Completing ratification, he said, would strengthen protections for workers and reinforce Europe's leadership in decent work standards.

Living Wages and Social Protection Essential for Justice

With the cost of living continuing to rise, Houngbo underscored the importance of ensuring that work provides dignity and economic security.

He argued that living wages are essential to advancing social justice, referencing the recent ILO tripartite agreement supporting living wage policies.

Houngbo also pointed to the EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages (2022), recently validated by the European Court of Justice last November, as an important step toward reducing working poverty and ensuring fair pay across Member States.

Managing Demographic, Green and Digital Transitions Fairly

The Director-General highlighted that Europe is undergoing major structural change, driven by:

• Demographic shifts

• The green transition

• Digital transformation

While necessary and urgent, Houngbo warned these transitions carry risks of exclusion and regional disparities unless supported by deliberate policies.

Without just transition frameworks, he cautioned, social resistance and inequality could deepen.

Social Dialogue Key to Stability and Trust

Houngbo stressed that social dialogue between governments, employers, and workers remains indispensable in designing effective employment policies and maintaining trust during periods of rapid change.

"Countries with strong dialogue systems are consistently better equipped to manage shocks and recover inclusively," he said.

Global Coalition for Social Justice Gains Momentum

Houngbo highlighted the Global Coalition for Social Justice, launched two years ago, as a major milestone for advancing fair employment and rights internationally.

He thanked EU governments for their strong support, noting that most EU Member States are now partners in the Coalition.

Renewed Commitment to Shared Prosperity

In closing, Houngbo encouraged Ministers to reaffirm their commitment to social justice, democratic resilience, and shared prosperity, in the spirit of the Doha Political Declaration, which renews global dedication to social development and cooperation.

The Minister of Labour and Social Insurance of Cyprus, Marinos Moushouttas, expressed appreciation for the ILO's contribution, emphasizing the importance of dialogue grounded in international standards and respect for social justice.