Are you tired of the traditional 8-hour workday? Do you feel like the gig economy is holding you back from achieving your full potential? You’re not alone. The labor rights that were fought for so vigorously in the 1880s are now being undermined by the gig economy, offering flexibility at the cost of stability.
Worker representation has been on the decline for years, with labor protections being rolled back all over Europe. The pandemic only worsened the situation, leaving many without the privilege to work from home facing devastating health consequences.
Young people in the EU were hit hard by the pandemic, experiencing job loss, financial instability, and mental health issues. The effects were most pronounced in countries like Portugal, Bulgaria, and Poland. This has led to an emerging generation questioning the value of traditional work structures.
The nature of work has changed dramatically post-pandemic, with Gen Z and millennials working harder for less. Research shows that younger generations are less likely to seek promotions or stick with unsatisfactory workplaces, as they prioritize work-life balance over traditional career advancement.
The gendered division of labor continues to disadvantage women in the workforce, with care responsibilities often falling on unpaid and unrecognized shoulders. The European Care Strategy aims to address this disparity by supporting caregivers and imposing higher standards for care workers.
Our episodes featuring discussions on these important topics are available as podcasts on the Cultural Broadcasting Archive. Listen here.
The Importance of Labor Rights and Worker Representation
The 8-hour workday and traditional labor protections have been hard-won rights that are now under threat from the gig economy. The promise of flexibility often masks the reality of precarity for many workers.
The pandemic exacerbated existing inequalities in the labor market, with young people facing job losses and financial instability. This has led to a growing skepticism among younger generations about the value of traditional work structures.
The Changing Nature of Work Post-Pandemic
Gen Z and millennials are working harder than ever for less, as they prioritize work-life balance over traditional career advancement. This shift in priorities has significant implications for the future of work.
The Gendered Division of Labor and Care Responsibilities
Women continue to be underrepresented in the labor market, with care responsibilities often falling on unpaid and unrecognized shoulders. The European Care Strategy aims to address this disparity by supporting caregivers and imposing higher standards for care workers.
Guests and Contributors
Our latest episode featured insights from experts in labor economics, history, and journalism. Check out their profiles below:
- Maryna Tverdostup – Economist at the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (WIIW)
- Péter Csunderlik – Historian and Assistant Professor at Eötvös Loránd University
- Petra Hlaváčková – Milena Jesenská journalism Fellow at the Institute for Human Sciences
Meet the Creative Team
Our dedicated team of editors, producers, and writers work tirelessly to bring you insightful content on labor rights and workplace dynamics. Meet the creative minds behind the show:
- Réka Kinga Papp – Editor-in-Chief
- Merve Akyel – Art Director
- Szilvia Pintér – Producer
- Zsófia Gabriella Papp – Digital Producer
- Salma Shaka – Writer-Editor
- Priyanka Hutschenreiter – Project Assistant
Special Thanks
We would like to thank the IWM Library for hosting our insightful discussions on labor rights and worker representation. Your support is invaluable to us.
Join the Conversation
Be sure to check out more content on politics, culture, and community on Display Europe, a content sharing platform that offers diverse perspectives on important issues.
Listen to our latest episodes on the Cultural Broadcasting Archive and join the conversation on the future of work and labor rights.
Disclaimer
This program is co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union and the European Cultural Foundation. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).