The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), which represents 45 million members across 41 European countries, is pushing for menopause to be recognised in EU workplace law, arguing that a lack of support is costing women earnings, career opportunities and pension income.
“Women’s work-related health risks remain largely ignored by the law, which remains orientated around male-dominated jobs,” said ETUC Deputy General Secretary Isabelle Schömann. “It’s high time that the law caught up with the reality of the whole workforce today and the risks facing them.”
The push comes as the European Parliament examines a report calling for menopause to be treated as an economic, employment and social issue, while the European Commission has stopped short of proposing a dedicated EU menopause strategy.
Menopause, which typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, affects a significant proportion of the workforce. Around 30% of women experience symptoms that affect their capacity to work, including fatigue, sleep disruption, hot flushes, joint pain, anxiety and difficulties concentrating. Around 85 % of women experience at least one of those symptoms.
Research cited by the confederation found that women's earnings in Norway fell by 7.4% by the fourth year after a menopause diagnosis, with reduced working hours, sick leave and missed promotions contributing to the decline.
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