The EESC is a consultative body that gives representatives of Europe's socio-occupational interest groups and others a formal platform to express their points of views on EU issues. Its opinions are forwarded to the Council, the European Commission and the European Parliament. It thus has a key role to play in the Union's decision-making process.

The Workers' Group comprises representatives from national trade unions, confederations and sectoral federations. Its members represent over 80 trade union organisations.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the programme and priorities of the Latvian Presidency, taking into account Commission President Juncker's Investment Plan for Europe. The debate about austerity measures and a new vision for the European growth and employment strategy will form an integral part of the event.