On 11–12 February 2025, industriAll Europe and Euromines held the final thematic workshop of the SODISEES joint project in Katowice, Poland—an industrial city symbolic of Europe’s mining heritage. Supported by the European Commission, the SODISEES project aims to reinforce social dialogue to foster sustainable practices in the European extractive industries.
The workshop gathered over 30 participants from across Europe—including trade union and employer representatives from Poland, Spain, Hungary, Belgium, France, and Greece. Discussions centred around how social dialogue can be a driving force to improve working conditions, support a just transition, and strengthen social sustainability in the sector.
A key message throughout the event was the need to secure quality jobs—those that offer fair wages, decent working conditions, social protection, safe workplaces, and access to training and lifelong learning. Participants emphasised the vital role of social dialogue in achieving this vision, especially in light of the challenges posed by decarbonisation and technological transformation.
Work-life balance, gender equality, and fair working time were highlighted as crucial areas where social dialogue has already delivered positive results. Delegations from Spain and Belgium shared best practices in collective bargaining, overtime regulation, parental leave, and equality plans, demonstrating how national frameworks and proactive trade union engagement can lead to tangible improvements.
However, several challenges remain. In countries like Poland and Hungary, social dialogue structures are often weak or fragmented, making it difficult to implement meaningful change. Participants underscored the importance of trust, transparency, and a supportive legal framework to enable effective negotiations and the implementation of agreements. Without these foundations, social dialogue risks becoming symbolic rather than transformative.
The workshop also addressed the need to adapt skills development to the evolving needs of the industry. Participants agreed that up- and reskilling are critical for workers to navigate the shift to more sustainable extractive practices. Yet, barriers such as the absence of collective agreements or insufficient employer engagement continue to hamper progress in some regions.
A site visit to a former coal mine offered additional insights into the legacy and ongoing challenges of the coal sector in Poland. Discussions there focused on the importance of inclusive social dialogue in shaping a fair and just transition for mining communities facing structural change.
As the workshop concluded, both industriAll Europe and Euromines reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening sectoral social dialogue. By fostering a culture of cooperation, sharing best practices, and addressing national specificities, social partners can play a decisive role in securing a more sustainable and fair future for Europe’s extractive industries.