The University of Westminster-led FUTOURWORK project has kicked off at Babeş-Bolyai University in Romania with its first official meeting. The Horizon Europe-funded research project aims to transform the future of work in the tourism and hospitality industries. It focuses on fostering inclusive discussions between workers and employers while addressing key challenges such as job insecurity, platform work and employee well-being.
FUTOURWORK is a three and a half-year project that launched in January 2025 and focuses on bringing systemic change to how labour issues are addressed. During the kick-off meeting, partners discussed its aims and objectives, as well as the group’s collaborative activities which are set to take place during the project. The three-day meeting brought together representatives from the project’s eight partner organisations, which are based across six countries. The partners include CoLABOR and Lusófona University from Portugal, Babeş-Bolyai University from Romania, The American College of Greece, Dalarna University from Sweden, Zangador Research Institute from Bulgaria and Equality in Tourism International from the UK.
Led by Dr Stroma Cole, Reader in Tourism and Sustainable Development at the University of Westminster, the project will actively involve workers, employers and social dialogue organisations through various activities, such as surveys, interviews, storytelling initiatives and group discussions.
FUTOURWORK will produce a worker well-being index for industry benchmarking, a documentary showcasing the stories of Tourism and Hospitality workers and an observatory platform to provide a one-stop shop for workers’ rights and facilitate ongoing discussions among stakeholders. These initiatives will significantly contribute to scientific knowledge and raise public awareness, as well as promote policy changes that enhance working conditions within the sector.
Dr Cole said: “This kick-off meeting in Cluj was a fantastic opportunity to bring together the incredibly diverse team of experts we have working on FUTOURWORK and begin fulfilling the strategic vision for the project.
“We’re very grateful to Babeş-Bolyai University for their hospitality and ensuring we had a productive, enjoyable experience in the beautiful city of Cluj.”
This project directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, 5 Gender Equality, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
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