Veolia European Work Council says to Commission: Revise Directive
(2 June 2008) The EWC of Veolia agreed to send a letter to the European Commission to demand it introduces revisions of the European Works Council Directive as soon as possible and thus participating in the European wide campaign of EWCs to improve the rights of workers and the functioning of the EWCs. Other EWCs which have done so are RWE, GdF, CEZ, Suez and many many others.
Other issues that were discussed included:
- the functioning of the national level forums. Many problems remain. Management committed to explore the different situations.
- the economic and financial situation of the company (with an analysis provided by the expert comptable de French central works council to the preparatory meeting)
- support to the French trade unions which are arguing for workers to share in the profits by increases in wages especially for minimum wages in collective agreement.
- health and safety. The EWC and management considered a joint declaration and action plan.
- plans of Veolia for a European policy on equality and diversity
- social data of the company and their development
- the development of Dalkia in the new member states
A new team of HR managers was introduced. Veronique Rouzaud, DHR and Jean Jacques Doublin, Christiane Bressaud who argued their commitment to improve the social dialogue and social climate in the company.
The EWC had a lively discussion on how wage increases in many countries are not keeping up with inflation. A direct reason is seen to be the pressure from head offices on its companies to obtain results, and which translates on pressure on workers and including more stress.
The EPSU Deputy General Secretary participated as expert. Next meeting will be 26, 27 and 28 November. For the first time a trade union leader from Marocco participated. Veolia has around 5000 workers in different cities. Overall Veolia employs 320.000 workers.
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