Summary
Two major European trade unions have accused ECB president Christine Lagarde of undermining workers’ rights by proposing changes to the central bank’s works council, which would limit staff representatives’ time for advocacy. The ECB’s plan, which aims to be implemented by mid-2026, would require council members to split their time between representation and normal roles, drawing criticism from union leaders who argue it would hinder effective employee representation. Legal experts also express concern that these changes reflect a repressive attitude towards labor relations at the ECB.