EPSU/ SDA European Energy Conference, 1 & 2 March 2007
European Works Councils - Internal market and European energy policy: Mergers, Restructuring and Outsourcing - Common perspectives and responses
1 March - 2 March 2007, International Trade Union House - Auditorium, Boulevard du Roi Albert II, no. 5, 1210 Brussels
Read the contributions here
Read a short report of the conference
EPSU and SDA (Social Development Agency) of the ETUC invite you to participate in a European Energy Conference in Brussels on 1-2 March 2007.
Objectives of the Conference are:
To improve understanding of the European internal market and the EU decision-making process and its implications for the European Works Councils
Gathering information of mergers, acquisitions, restructuring and outsourcing in the European energy sector
Prepare responses and strategies for EWCs to respond to European developments
Strengthen links between national and European levels of workers’ representation
Involve representatives of trade unions in the New Member States and candidate countries
Speakers at the Conference will include representatives of the European Commission (Commissioner Piebalgs), of the European industry organizations (our European employers) Eurelectric and Eurogas, and representatives of European political parties.
We expect a large number of new measures to be announced around this period:
The results of the so-called energy sector inquiry will be known (exploring if companies are abusing a dominant market position)
Possibly a new package of legislative measures on promoting competition (possibly including ownership unbundling) and steps to create regional markets
The Strategic Energy Review (which will amongst others detail needed investment)
The results of the European Employment Study of the Commission
The Memorandum of Understanding on the social implications of the South East European Energy Treaty might be signed.
Come and learn first hand what are the challenges facing us. This Conference is an excellent opportunity to meet trade unionists and works council representatives from other companies and countries. Do as our employers: Meet your colleagues from all over Europe, exchange information and strategies to promote our members interests.
We will also ask HR directors of a number of Europe’s largest electricity and gas companies to present their views on the future of the sector and especially HR and industrial relations policy.
But most important - we will ask representatives of trade unions and European Works Councils in Europe’s energy companies to present their views on the sector, what is happening in the companies. How are we cooperating across borders? What is the role of European Works Councils in mergers and acquisitions? What can the trade unions do to better coordinate? What can be common strategies on important issues facing us such as outsourcing?
Come and learn the latest in the European electricity and gas sector.
PRACTICAL DETAILS
The Conference takes place in Brussels on 1-2 March 2007, in the ITUH (International Trade Union House), Auditorium on the 1st floor, Boulevard Albert II, no. 5. Please find attached a map of the area.
The Conference starts 1 March 2007 9.30 and will end 2 March 16.00
The languages:
Active languages are English, French, German, Swedish, Czech, Polish, Romanian and Bulgarian.
Passive languages: Danish, Norwegian, Spanish and Italian.
Sponsorships:
Sponsorships are available for a number of countries and linked to Commission rules. See table and rules attached. We recommend that those sponsorships go to colleagues who are member of an EWC and/or active in a multinational company. Please note that sponsorships is only provided to one person per company from selected countries (see encl. list). Please discuss with each other in case there are more unions involved in one company.
We would particularly encourage affiliates to help us improve the gender balance at this event by nominating women delegates.
The organizers keep the right to make changes if the above is not respected. In case you need to discuss please do not hesitate to contact Jan Willem Goudriaan: jwgoudriaan@epsu.org
Hotel
List of hotels attached. You are kindly requested to organize your hotel yourself. Please book early to prevent disappointment. When booking in one of the listed hotels please refer to the “EPSU/SDA Conference”.
Dinner
We aim to organize a dinner, evening of 1 March. Please indicate in the form if you will attend.
Draft programme
Invitation, list of hotels, participation form and area map
About us