Tough discussions in electricity social dialogue committee
(11 December 2008) Following the Conference on Demographic Change (14 November 2008) organised jointly by the trade unions and Eurelectric, the Conference presentations are now available on the public website of Eurelectric within the Events / Past EURELECTRIC Events folder (Login: change; Password: electricity).
The Toolkit / Best Practices Guide will shortly be available as a web based format in English, French, Czech and German at http://www.eurelectric.org/Demographic/w2wfrm.htm
(17 November 2008) The European social partners returned to the issue of emission trading scheme as proposed by the European Commission. While the social partners have understanding for the auctioning system in the electricity sector, there are certain conditions that should be considered so the scheme does not turn in an electricity only scheme and other sectors escape reducing emissions and get free allowances. Low income households should be protected and just transition principles should be agreed. A large measure of agreement was reached. The system is controversial and further consultation will be undertaken on the final statement.
Another issue which was outstanding was the joint position on Corporate Social Responsibility. While most of the obstacles have been clarified, it remained difficult for Eurelectric to recognise the reality that in several cases CSR policies are also the subject of negotiations. Examples include EDF, ENEL, Suez-GdF. The statement was not signed.
The social partners further reflected on the toolkit on restructuring. While in the main it was agreed the trade union side had argued for improvements to the out-sourcing chapter. A new version was rejected by the employers’ side. There will be further discussion.
The follow up to the toolkits on demographic change and age management and on restructuring was debated with both sides making proposals including more translations, national follow up discussion, training in certain countries and ways to increase the distribution of the toolkits.
The social partners foresee a heavy working schedule for 2009. Issues on the agenda will include:
Responding to the Strategic Energy Review and the social implications;
Dealing with the Green Energy Package and the social consequences. There will be discussion on the just transition employment programmes and what these should entail;
Reflect further on CSR and the Global Reporting Initiative’s electricity supplement;
Discuss the skill needs in the electricity sector and in relation to the sectoral skill studies of the European Commission
Possibly comment jointly on the Commission Communication on the sectoral social dialogue foreseen for September 2009
Follow up the toolkits on demographic change and age management and on restructuring
Consider the implementation of joint agreements possibly through a joint position on the methods to be used.
Dates of the next meetings in 2009 are: 10 March Brussels - working group
22 June Brussels - plenary
7 October Brussels - working group
11 December Budapest - plenary - invited at the invitation of the Hungarian social partners.
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