(25 March 2010) EPSU continues the research on energy company CSR policies with Dutch research group SOMO. While most energy companies have a CSR policy, several such as Dutch multinationals Delta and TenneT and German company EnbW do not. The report will also reveal that not all companies report according to the standards of the Global Reporting Initiative Electricity Sector Supplement, which where endorsed by the European social partners for the electricity sector.
Reporting in a correct and comparable manner is important and was also underlined in a series of workshops organized by the European Commission on disclosure of social, environmental and governance information. The results of the survey were discussed by the representatives of the energy European Works Councils.
See slides here
Colleagues from a broad range of companies such as RWE, ENEL, Veolia, GdFSuez, CEZ reported on the work they are doing in the EWCs and the obstacles they face for example with regard to enforcing information and consultation rights. Colleagues of GdF gave more information on the case they won against management to ensure the company had to provide them with all relevant information that would allow the EWC to evaluate the consequences for employment and hence form an opinion. A big issue remains communication – how to ensure workers are well informed of the activities of the EWC. The importance of the joint opinion of the European Trade Union Federations on the Implementation of the revised EWC Directive was underlined. (Available in EN FR DE CZ HU SV PL IT ES)
This meeting was part of a series, the first took place on 14 December 2009. The next meeting will be 8 June.
Report on previous meeting. The project is organized together with the ETUC’s Social Development Agency.
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