A Commission representative introduced the new package of measures to liberalise Europe’s energy markets as published 19 September 2007. Important issues in this package are: ownership unbundling, cooperation of transmission system operators, limitations to ownership of strategic assets by non-Eu state owned investment funds, agency for energy regulators. Trade unions pointed out their concern over ownership unbundling, its social implications and that it will no deliver. The union group also was critical of the regulatory agency as not being sufficiently democratic and strong. Employers and unions agreed that the sector needs stability and guarantees need to be given to workers and companies alike to prevent that in 3-4 years time ownership unbundling of distribution companies will be on the agenda. Both sides agreed the social implications of the package could be considered and assessed.

Other issues addressed:
South East European Energy Community and the Memorandum of Understanding on the Social Aspects
A Commission representative presented the state of affairs with the implementation of the MoU. It will be signed 18 October. The Commission and governments will consider a so-called options paper. The employers and trade unions indicated they wanted to be consulted on the options paper.

Joint Statement on the ECOTEC Employment study: employment effects of the opening of electricity and gas markets
A joint statement was adopted. It high lights the important changes in the sector, the important loss of jobs and challenges posed by outsourcing and ensuring the sector is attractive to young workers for example.
For the joint statement, click here

Follow up to the stress agreement and proposal to endorse Violence at Work agreement
The trade union side proposed to continue to monitor the implementation of the stress agreement for the electricity sector; as well as to endorse the Violence at Work intersectoral agreement. More discussion is needed on both proposals and discussion will return in December at the plenary meeting. The trade union side underlined the importance of violence at work caused by third parties, for example for meter readers, call centre workers, workers entering premises (households as well as small and medium sized businesses) vandalism.

Corporate Social Responsibility
The final report of EcoTec on CSR was presented by a representative of EcoTec. It includes a number of case studies as well as general conclusions on how CSR should be dealt with to be successful in the European electricity industry. The social partners agreed to prepare a joint statement on this for the plenary meeting in December.

New projects on Demographic change and on Restructuring
Brief introductions were given regarding two new projects that have been introduced with the European Commission and including a request for funding.

Follow up to the health and safety statement
The trade union side raised the implementation of the health and safety agreement and especially the establishment of the working group. This will be considered further, and draft terms of reference are a positive way to define the work of the group.

Next meeting: 7 December 2007, Brussels - Plenary

The trade unions and employers met in the electricity social dialogue working group 3 October 2007, Brussels. The employers are represented by Eurelectric. The EPSU DGS chaired the meeting.