(2 June 2008) The governments of the South East European energy community signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the social aspects of the energy community, 18 October 2007. But little has happened since. Government representatives from the countries were challenged to do more during a workshop on the MoU. The workshop was organised by the European social partners in the electricity and gas sector, the Energy Community (of South East Europe) and the European Commission. It became quite clear that governments do not have a process of discussion with the trade unions on the restructuring that takes place. Governments do concentrate on the issue of protecting vulnerable users but quite a few countries do not consult with the trade unions. A proposal was suggested to establish working groups in each State and with the involvement of the trade unions and the employers, and start a process of preparing National Social Action Plans as foreseen under the MoU.

Learning for New Member States The workshop considered a number of practical case studies on how restructuring has taken place. Several EPSU representatives took the floor. Reszo Gal (VdSzSz) reported on the experience in the electricity sector in Hungary, Catalin Musoi (Gaz Rom trade union) reported on the changes in Distrigas Sud (Gaz de France), Roumania and a further presentation was made by the Transgas trade union in the Czech company Transgas (Czech republic). These were placed in the context of the Commission study on the employment effects of opening the elecricity and gas market. Significant changes can be expected for employment.

Social Action Plans The Memorandum foresees that the governments start a process of discussion with the social partners and concentrate on developing social action plans. The discussions demonstrated that this process has not started yet. The Energy Secretariat presented a socalled roadmap which would assist the governments in preparing the action plans. These were accepted. A time table was also agreed to commence preparation for the Social Foruim. Working groups have to be installed in the countries by 1 July and with the draft social action plans to be discussed in September and October.

Social Forum The Memorandum foresees a Social Forum. This brings together the represenatives of governments, trade unions and employers of all countries. A Steering Committee was suggested and which would include a representative of EPSU. The Forum will take place 18-19 November in Tirana Albania.

Other speakers: Director of the Energy Community, Mr. Slavtcho Neykov. He announced that the Social Forum will be organised 18 and 19 November 2008 in Tirana, Albania. Representatives of the observer countries will also be invited to participate.

Head of social dialogue unit of the European Commission, Jackie Morin. He stressed that economic and social progress and policy go hand in hand referring to the positive experience of those countries with a developed social dialogue and social model in realising economic growth and attracting investment. He further argued that anticipating change is important. The social partners need a better understanding of the challenges and the employment consequences of the changes. Social dialogue is a driving force and can "frame" the changes. The process needs to be based on fundamental rights, health and safety, information and consultation

The workshop took place 27 May 2008, Vienna. EPSU was represented by Reszo Gal (VDSzSz, Hu), vice-president of the EPSU Standing Committee Utilities and the EPSU Deputy General Secretary, Jan Willem Goudriaan

Read a short report of the workshop: http://www.energy-community.org

Presentations made at the work shop are available here