Quality Jobs Act: calling for effective enforcement and social dialogue

HOTREC has outlined its position on the European Commission’s second-stage consultation of social partners on the Quality Jobs Act, calling for an approach that promotes good working conditions while safeguarding the competitiveness of Europe’s hospitality sector.

Representing around 2 million hospitality businesses and 10 million workers across Europe, HOTREC supports the objective of improving job quality and ensuring safe, healthy workplaces. However, it cautions against introducing a new overarching EU Directive that could duplicate existing legislation and create additional administrative burdens, particularly for SMEs.

In its position paper, HOTREC highlights several priorities:

• Effective enforcement: Prioritise the implementation of existing EU and national legislation rather than introducing new EU-wide obligations.

• Subcontracting: Avoid classifying hospitality as a high-risk sector and focus enforcement on evidence of non-compliance.

• Occupational safety and health: Support targeted updates, practical guidance and proportionate measures reflecting the realities of hospitality businesses.

• Skills and transitions: Promote upskilling and reskilling to support the green and digital transitions, particularly through funding and practical support for SMEs.

• Social dialogue: Strengthen cooperation between employers, workers and national authorities, while respecting national competences.

HOTREC also advocates legal clarity and practical guidance on artificial intelligence and algorithmic management in the workplace, building on existing EU frameworks.

Quality jobs and competitive businesses go hand in hand. HOTREC therefore calls for an evidence-based, proportionate approach that strengthens workers’ protection through effective enforcement, social dialogue and practical support, without creating unnecessary new regulatory obligations.

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