EU Moves to Protect Trainees

In a significant move to enhance the rights of young workers, the European Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs Committee has adopted new proposals aimed at improving the working conditions of trainees across the EU. The report, passed with 42 votes in favor, outlines measures to combat abusive practices and ensure that traineeships serve as a legitimate bridge from education to employment.

The proposed rules call for a clear definition of traineeships, emphasizing that they should be time-limited and involve entry-level work. MEPs stress the importance of written agreements detailing pay, tasks, learning objectives, and duration, with a maximum period of six months unless justified. They advocate for mandatory access to social protection, including health insurance and unemployment benefits.

The committee is committed to preventing the misuse of traineeships as disguised employment. Traineeships lacking payment in accordance with national law, training components, or mentorship are deemed abusive. To curb such practices, companies will be required to report on traineeship conditions and offer channels for anonymous reporting of malpractice.

Rapporteur Alicia Homs Ginel highlighted the directive’s significance, stating it responds to youth concerns raised during the Conference on the Future of Europe. The committee aims to begin negotiations with the Council to finalize the directive, hoping to secure a fair and protective environment for trainees throughout Europe.