On Wednesday, MEPs have agreed on a series of recommendations for a new EU bill to ensure minimum requirements to prevent, eliminate or reduce work-related psychosocial risks which could lead to work-related stress, burnout, and mental and physical disorders. This proposal should be preceded by an impact assessment including an assessment of existing legislation.

MEPs are demanding binding obligations for employers to protect mental and physical health and to ensure safe and dignified working conditions. They also want the Commission and EU-countries to explicitly recognise that work-related psychosocial risks give rise to occupational diseases.

The request for a legislative initiative was adopted by 41 votes in favour and 12 votes against, with 4 abstentions.

Policies addressing violence and harassment

MEPs want employers to adopt and implement policies defining and prohibiting violence, harassment, bullying and discriminatory behaviour undermining workers’ dignity, physical or…