OECD.org

Collective bargaining and worker’s voice are key labour rights, which can also improve labour market performances. Yet, according to a new OECD report, both these rights are under pressure from the general weakening of labour relations in many countries and the rise of new and often precarious forms of employment.

The new OECD Economic Survey of Austria projects GDP growth of 1.4% for 2019 and 1.3% for 2020, which is a downward revision reflecting weaker external demand and global trade tensions. Reforms, such as boosting competition in services and bringing more women and migrants into the workforce, will help bolster well-being, the report says.

Health expenditure is projected to outpace GDP growth over the next 15 years in almost every OECD country. Health spending per capita will grow by an average 2.7% per year across the OECD, rising to 10.2% of GDP by 2030 from 8.8% in 2018, according to Health at a Glance 2019. The report urges reforms to make health systems financially sustainable.

Countries should ensure that the early childhood education and care workforce is prepared for the demands of working with young children to give them all a strong start. Providing Quality Early Childhood Education and Care finds that how to work with young children is not always included in staff training.

The OECD is publishing a proposal to advance international negotiations to ensure large and highly profitable multinational enterprises, including digital companies, pay tax wherever they have significant consumer-facing activities and generate their profits. The proposal is now open to a public consultation process.