Wednesday, 26 June 2024
Position paper
Clearer Rules and Framework Needed
Executive Summary
HOTREC acknowledges the European Commission’s proposals for a Directive on Traineeships and a Council Recommendation on a reinforced Quality Framework for Traineeships (QFT). More clarity is needed however, especially for SMEs.
HOTREC’s main priorities on the Traineeships Directive are as follows:
- It is unclear what type of traineeship is addressed. If the intention is to cover openmarket traineeships, part of a labour relationship, this should be clearly explained.
- In countries where open-market traineeships exist, the trainee is already protected by national labour law or collective bargaining, as there is a labour relationship. Further legislation is not needed.
- The Directive should not create a new category of worker at EU level.
- Red tape should be cut, where possible, and reasonable timeframes considered, especially for SMEs.
- Definitions of traineeship and trainee are inconsistent.
- Collective bargaining agreements should be able to derogate from the Directive.
- There should not be an overlap between apprenticeship schemes and open-market traineeships.
- Instead of a new Directive, a revision of the Council Recommendation on QFT is more appropriate.
On the Council Recommendation on a reinforced QFT:
- All traineeships should not be included, subsidiarity must prevail.
- Remuneration should not be made compulsory, compensation is often a fair alternative.
Read our full position by clicking on the link below.
