Representing 45,000 companies and 2 million professionals across 23 countries, CoESS stresses that a diverse workforce is not only a social imperative, but a cornerstone of European competitiveness. From the specific view of the industry, the statement highlights that security officers interact with citizens daily, and their actions must reflect the values of tolerance and respect.

In its submission, CoESS highlights the growing concern over rising racism and the continued discrimination faced by LGBTIQ+ communities across Europe. It calls for a holistic, cross-cutting approach to combat both direct and indirect forms of discrimination, including those based on race, gender, age, sexual identity, religion, ethnicity, and disabilities.

In this context, the contribution outlines key CoESS-led actions, such as:

• Social Partner action, including but not limited to Collective Agreements, on non-discrimination.
• The promotion of equal access to training to vulnerable groups.
• The integration of anti-harassment and non-discrimination policies into workplace and business practices.

CoESS also urges the EU to:

• Involve Sectoral Social Partners in implementing future strategies.

• Use public procurement to promote inclusive company cultures.

The input follows an in-depth Joint Social Partner Declaration of CoESS and UNI Europa on promoting diversity, equality, inclusion and non-discrimination in the European private security services - available here.

For more, visit www.coess.eu.