ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

European cleaning professionals are being invited to an event in Brussels to discuss the the ongoing development of daytime cleaning. This meeting is organised within the framework of the EU-funded 'Fair Working Time Matters' project.

Taking place over two days - June 12 and 13 - the event is designed to bring together clients, employers and trade unions. June 12 will see the hosting of a conference to discuss the current situation, while on June 13 there will be a working meeting to develop a plan going forward.

The meeting receives funding from the European Commission so travel and accommodation expenses can be reimbursed in accordance with latest EU guidelines. Translation will also be provided by on-site interpreters.

The organisers have put together a draft agenda:

Day 1: June 12

08:00 - 09:00 Coffees, standing breakfast & registration

09:00 - 09:30 Opening and Introductions
Voices from across the sector - from the shop floor to the policy table - will frame the challenges we face and the opportunities ahead. This is more than just introductions - it's the start of a conversation about transforming cleaning work, together.

09:30 - 10:30 Shift work, split shifts, night work and time-poverty
In this session, researchers, cleaners, and industry experts will dive into the real-life impact of work patterns in the cleaning sector - from night shifts and split schedules to time poverty. Together, they'll explore how these routines shape labour turnover, health and safety, client relations, and even workers' family lives. Expect powerful insights and stories from the frontlines!

10:30 - 11.00 Coffee break

11.00 - 12.00 Is daytime cleaning the solution?
Is daytime cleaning the game-changer the sector needs? What's standing in the way - and for whom? In this session, we'll tackle the challenges different stakeholders face in making daytime cleaning a reality. How can we break down these barriers? And more importantly, how can clients, employers, and unions join forces to drive the shift toward a more sustainable future for cleaning work?

12:00 - 13:30 Lunch

13:30 - 14:30 Taking action on daytime cleaning
Across Europe, governments and social partners are stepping up - launching bold initiatives, campaigns, and policies to bring cleaning work into the daylight. In this session, we'll hear firsthand how these efforts are unfolding, what's working, and what others can learn as we build momentum for change.

14:30 - 15:00 Coffee break

15:00 - 16:15 Changing the rules of public procurement
With the EU Public Procurement Directives under revision, a rare window of opportunity is opening. What could these changes mean for the cleaning sector - and for the push toward daytime cleaning? This session explores how clients, employers, and unions can seize the moment to improve working conditions, level the playing field, and make fairness the standard across the industry.

Day 2: June 13

8.30 - 9.00 Coffees, standing breakfast & registration

09:00 - 09:30 Opening remarks
Day two will beging by reflecting on the energy, insights, and ideas sparked on the first day. From real stories of night shifts and time poverty to bold strategies for pushing daytime cleaning forward, day one was a reminder of why this conversation matters - and why the momentum is growing.

09:45 - 11:45 Developing a framework of action on daytime cleaning

This interactive session is where ideas turn into strategy. Over the course of the morning, participants will break into small groups to co-create a shared framework for action that can be adapted across countries and contexts. They will identify key goals, map out obstacles and brainstorm concrete steps that unions, employers, clients, and policymakers can take to advance daytime cleaning. Whether it's building alliances, shaping public narratives, or influencing procurement rules - this is the moment to shape a roadmap for real, lasting change. All voices are welcome, and all contributions will feed into a collective vision to be carried forward beyond Brussels.

11:45 - 12:00 Closing remarks

12.00 - End of conference and lunch

For more information and to register contact Alessia Mora at UNI Europa by email: alessia.mora@uniglobalunion.org