European Trade Unions urge EU to include menopause in labor laws

The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) is advocating for menopause to be formally recognized in European Union labor legislation. Representing 45 million members across 41 countries, the ETUC argues that the current lack of workplace support negatively impacts women's earnings, career progression, and pension security.

Deputy General Secretary Isabelle Schömann stated that existing laws remain oriented toward male-dominated roles and fail to address the health risks women face. The initiative coincides with the European Parliament reviewing a report that treats menopause as an economic, social, and employment issue. However, the European Commission has not yet proposed a dedicated EU strategy on the matter.

Research indicates that approximately 85% of women experience at least one menopause symptom, with 30% reporting symptoms that affect their work capacity, such as fatigue, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. In Norway, studies showed women's earnings decreased by 7.4% within four years of a menopause diagnosis due to factors like reduced working hours, sick leave, and missed promotions.