Trade unions push for EU law to address menopause at work

The European Trade Union Confederation, which represents 45 million members across 41 European countries, is advocating for menopause to be acknowledged in EU workplace legislation. The ETUC argues that inadequate support for menopausal employees is resulting in financial losses, career setbacks, and diminished pension income for many women.

ETUC Deputy General Secretary Isabelle Schömann emphasized that current laws inadequately address the health risks faced by women in today's workforce. The push for EU recognition of menopause follows a report submitted to the European Parliament, which calls for the condition to be treated as an economic, employment, and social issue.

The European Commission, however, has yet to propose a dedicated EU menopause strategy. According to research cited by the confederation, women's earnings in Norway drop by 7.4% on average in the year following a menopause diagnosis, often due to reduced working hours, sick leave, and missed promotions. Schömann lamented that millions of women suffer financial repercussions due to a lack of workplace adaptations for menopause.

While pressure mounts for EU action, the campaign unfolds amid growing acknowledgment of menopause within the EU's gender equality agenda. The European Parliament is currently examining a report calling for menopause to be recognized as an economic, employment, and social issue. Spanish Socialist MEP Lina Gálvez is spearheading a draft report that advocates for a dedicated EU strategy, increased research, public campaigns to combat stigma, enhanced workplace support, and improved access to healthcare.

Despite this, the report remains a parliamentary initiative rather than an officially adopted EU policy. Union leaders stress the importance of workplace adjustments, such as risk assessments for temperature and ventilation, flexible working hours, and ergonomic equipment. They also advocate for the negotiation and implementation of menopause policies through collective bargaining agreements.