site.btaBulgarian Labour Minister Speaks at Brussels Conference on Mobile Workers' Rights

Ways to provide more effective protection for the rights of mobile workers in the EU were discussed by Bulgarian Minister of Labour and Social Policy Ivanka Shalapatova and other senior European officials in Brussels on Thursday. The discussion was held in the framework of a conference on "Fair Mobility in the EU and the Role of the European Labour Authority", Shalapatova's ministry reported.

The discussion focused on enhancing cooperation and upgrading coordination among the EU member states with the assistance of the European Labour Authority (ELA). Shalapatova set forth Bulgaria's expectations about working with ELA and suggested approaches for stronger and more effective cooperation among the EU member states in protecting the social rights of mobile workers.

She noted that Sofia sets great store by raising young people's awareness of the damaging effects of undeclared labour.

Netherlands Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Social Affairs and Employment Karien van Gennip called for rethinking labour market values in Europe.

The Brussels conference was also attended by Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Employment Pierre-Yves Dermagne, Norway's State Secretary at the Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion Per Olav Skurdal Hopso, and European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit.