European employers' and trade unions' organisations BusinessEurope, ETUC, CEEP and SMEunited Europa have signed a social partners' framework agreement on digitalisation to support the successful digital transformation of the European economy and manage its impact on labour markets, the world of work and society as a whole.

The agreement will support the successful integration of digital technologies in the workplace, investment in digital skills, upgrading skills and improving the competitiveness of workers. It also addresses strategies for digital transformation at national, sectoral, company and workplace level, including on connection and disconnection procedures and compliance with working time rules.

According to Luca Visentin, General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), the Digital Pact should not be imposed by management to drive digital change, but should be managed in partnership with workers and their trade unions. "It will support negotiations between trade unions and employers in all EU countries, in different sectors, companies and workplaces," said the union leader.

Markus J. Beyrer, Director General of BusinessEurope, said that this agreement will pave the way for a consensual digital transition of European economies and increase the resilience of our businesses: "The relevance of this agreement will become clear at a time when many workers will need to use digital technologies to work remotely. The importance of investing in digital skills is particularly crucial for Europe's future right now. It is now up to the national social partners to implement this agreement at national level."

CEEP Secretary General Valeria Ronzitti said that the Framework Agreement addresses an issue that has been on the agenda of social partners for decades and should become the basis for joint action to adapt to the rapid pace of digitalisation, adding that employers must continue to provide high-quality basic services regardless of circumstances and digitalisation should help to achieve this important task.""

You can download the Framework Agreement on digitisation in English here: https://www.etuc.org/system/files/document/file2020-06/Final%2022%2006%2020_Agreement%20on%20Digitalisation%202020.pdf