TNCs and EWCs
Transnational Companies and European Works Councils
Public service unions prefer that basic and essential services such as the supply of electricity, health care, drinking water and refuse collection remain under public control. EPSU and PSI bring together the experience of workers and citizens to show how public services can be efficient, effective and responsive to citizens’ needs.
As local authorities and other public bodies privatise and contract-out services, workers and their unions delivering services to the public deal more with transnational companies. Our research shows that there is a grave risk that these companies dominate local communities.
EPSU and PSI aspire to establish European and international trade union structures for workers in transnational companies. These trade union platforms will grow to be effective counter-vailing powers to international management. We work to ensure that transnational companies, their sub-contractors and suppliers respect human and trade union rights. Our work on social clauses in procurement is part of that effort. Public service unions aim to negotiate fair and decent social standards for workers in these services.
European and international trade union structures in transnational companies and industries are part of the efforts of all those aiming to create a world civil society and to prevent that the run-away forces of free market and corporate greed dominate the lives of workers, citizens and their communities. These pages therefore aim to provide resources for trade unions and others on transnational companies.
ETUCO virtual campus
ETUCO is using the FirstClass electronic conference system to provide distance training and an electronic forum for trade union representatives all over Europe. You can get an idea of FirstClass by logging in as a Guest user
ETUC campaign ’On the offensive for stronger European Works Councils’
On 1 May 2008, the ETUC launched a campaign for stronger European Works Councils
Legislate on Revision of EWC Directive now ! says 8 million Union Federation
(Press Communication, 24 April, Brussels) The Executive Committee of the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) approved the position of the ETUC regarding its decision not to negotiate on the Revision of the European Works Council Directive, 22 April 2008. BusinessEurope was not able to agree to a fixed and short timetable and the risk of bad faith negotiations was considerable giving the attitude of BusinessEurope and some of its members who have consistently and violently lobbied against the Revision of the Directive. This would have delayed revision considerably (...).
EPSU Executive approves rules for use of EPSU EWC legal fund
The number of European Works Councils increases also in the EPSU area of work. Many EWCs reach maturity and do no accept that corporations violate information and consultation rights, especially in the case of restructuring, mergers and acquisitions.
As part of a strategy to ensure that the multinationals respect their rights, several EWCs have brought their employer to Court and with success as the case of Gas de France and British Airways have demonstrated.
The possibilities for EWCs to (...)
As part of a strategy to ensure that the multinationals respect their rights, several EWCs have brought their employer to Court and with success as the case of Gas de France and British Airways have demonstrated.
The possibilities for EWCs to (...)
ETUC seeks a legal revision of EWC Directive
(11 April 2008, Brussels) With a letter to the European Commission the ETUC has notified that it will not negotiate on the revision of the EWC Directive due to a lack of willingness to provide guarantees for a substantial agreement by Business Europe.
To read the letter of John Monks, General Secretary of the ETUC, click here.
EPSU supports revision of the EWC Directive and ETUC position
(04 April 2008, Brussels) The EPSU European Works Council Coordinators discussed the Revision of the EWC Directive and the ETUC response to the 2nd phase of consultation. Romuald Jagodzinski of the European Trade Union Institute introduced the Commission consultation document and the ETUC reflections. These relate to a strengthening of the information and consultation rights, training for EWC members, strengthened resources, role for the European Federations, legal personality and the (...)
EPSU European Works Council Coordinators Network meeting
EPSU European Works Council Coordinators Network meeting
2 April 2008
Batiment Jean Monnet, Plateau du Kirchberg, Luxembourg
The EPSU European Works Council Coordinators Network meeting will take place in Luxembourg, plateau du Kirchberg, Jean Monnet Building, Room M2. The meeting starts at 10.00 and will end at 17.00. An area map is enclosed for information.
Interpretation has been requested to and from French, English, German, Italian, Spanish and Swedish. We have also requested the (...)
2 April 2008
Batiment Jean Monnet, Plateau du Kirchberg, Luxembourg
The EPSU European Works Council Coordinators Network meeting will take place in Luxembourg, plateau du Kirchberg, Jean Monnet Building, Room M2. The meeting starts at 10.00 and will end at 17.00. An area map is enclosed for information.
Interpretation has been requested to and from French, English, German, Italian, Spanish and Swedish. We have also requested the (...)
Fresenius SE EWC meets
(28 March 2008) The EWC of this European Company (SE) considered the corporate strategy, financial results of the company and its work programme. Members provided reports on the national situations. This was the first regular meeting of the SE EWC. The EPSU Deputy General Secretary participated and made a presentation regarding the experience of other companies stressing the importance of a work programme and communication. The revision of the EWC Directive was also addressed and the (...)
Commission publishes Consultation document on the revision of the European Works Council Directive
After scandalous delays, the European Commission has finally published its consultation document on the revision of the EWC Directive. It argues that the European Social Partners are in the best position to negotiate a solution.
While ETUC has been in favour of a negotiated solution, BusinessEurope has been against. Just after the publication of the Communication BusinessEurope said: we see no need at all to revise the European Works Council directive. EWCs are complex entities. New (...)
While ETUC has been in favour of a negotiated solution, BusinessEurope has been against. Just after the publication of the Communication BusinessEurope said: we see no need at all to revise the European Works Council directive. EWCs are complex entities. New (...)
Negotiations took off on EWC agreement in ENEL
(6 February 2008) The second special negotiating body of ENEL saw an exchange of views between management and the representatives. A wide range of issues was discussed such as the role of the EWC in negotiating agreements, the geographic scope of the agreement (covering Europe or only the EU), issues for information and consultation, what to do in case of conflict and differences of interpretation with the agreement, relationship between the EWC and national level representation... The (...)
EWC of Gas de France demands revision of EWC Directive
(29 January 2008) The EWC of Gas de France has sent a letter to the European Commission demanding a revision of the Directive. It notes that had the Directive included better and clearer formulated information and consultation rights, the EWC would not have had to drag the company to Court as it would known its obligations. The Letter further stresses the role of facilities and the role played by (European) tarde unions. To read the letter...
Letter to the European Commission (in (...)
Letter to the European Commission (in (...)
Unions discuss establishing EWCs in new companies
(28 january 2008) Trade union representatives from Spain, UK, Netherlands and Belgium met to discuss the establishment of an EWC for their companies: Spanish company Aguas Barcelona and Dutch company Delta. The unions discussed the legal framework, practices of EWCs, their draft agreements, internal rules of procedure and what the priorities of the work programme should be. Issues considered were the investment strategies, questions of outsourcing and general company policies. Dominque (...)
Multinational companies in Social Services - new research of PSIRU
(8 January 2008) A new research document explores the expansion of multinational companies in social services in Europe. They are slowly progressing with several take-overs and also private equity investors being interested. The document also provides the European context for this expansion. The paper was commissioned from PSIRU by EPSU. It is partly available here. The full paper is available for affiliated organisations.
Multinational care company expansion -
Major trends and (...)
Multinational care company expansion -
Major trends and (...)
Commissioner commits to revision of the EWC Directive
European Commissioner Spidla committed the European Commission to a revision of the EWC Directive in a letter to ETUC. The Commission has come under intense pressure of BusinessEurope not to do so. BusinessEurope and the companies are ignoring the demands of workers and EWCs which have clearly indicated to the Commission that a revision is long overdue. Many companies are thus setting themselves up for conflicts with their workers’ representatives. For the letter of the Commissioner, open (...)
Unions is Spanish company Agbar meet to set up EWC
Following the take-over of UK company Bristol Water by Spanish company Agbar, EPSU approached the company to set up a European Works Council. Trade union representatives met to consider the establishment of a European Works Council for Aguas de Barcelona., 22-23 November 2007, Barcelona. They consider a text proposal for an agreement, discussed the lack of a national representative body in Spain and further progress. An exchange with management took place on the agreement. For EPSU the (...)
EPSU welcomes Revision of EWC Directive and urges speedy process
The European Commission has included the Revision of the EWC Directive in its Work programme for 2008. EPSU welcomes this. The EPSU General Secretary wrote to Commissioner Spidla to proceed quickly with the publication of the Communication and ensure a speedy process. Private Equity Funds should not escape their responsibility to provide information and consultation and be clear about their strategies.
For the letter to Mr Spidla, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and (...)
For the letter to Mr Spidla, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and (...)
ETUC welcomes Commission initiative on revision of European Works Council directive
(Brussels, 21 November 2007) The Steering Committee of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) welcomed the initiative of the European Commission to proceed with the revision of the European Works Councils (EWC) Directive. For a long time the ETUC has made concrete proposals for the revision, in order to better equip EWCs to manage change in a socially responsible way. With the recent initiative, the Commission will also respond to the demand of the European Parliament, which asked (...)
Commission - Move forward with revision of the EWC Directive ! Say EPSU EWC Coordinators
(31 October 2007) The EPSU group welcomed the announcement of the European Commission that it will propose amendments to the EWC Directive. The Commission included the revision of the Directive in its work programme for 2008. The EPSU EWC Coordinators urge the Commission to come forward quickly and with substantial improvements to the Directive. The revision is long overdue and should have been proposed in 1999 already. BusinessEurope is mounting a campaign to dissuade the Commission from (...)
European Works Council coordinators network meeting
European Works Council coordinators network meeting
29 October 2007
EESC, Brussels, Room JDE 60, 10.00 - 16.00
You are herewith invited to the EPSU European Works Council Coordinators Network meeting on 29 October 2007. It will take place in Brussels, at the Economic and Social Committee, 99 Rue Belliard, in Brussels. The meeting starts at 10.00 and will end at 16.00. An area map is enclosed for information. Interpretation has been requested to and from French, English, German, (...)
29 October 2007
EESC, Brussels, Room JDE 60, 10.00 - 16.00
You are herewith invited to the EPSU European Works Council Coordinators Network meeting on 29 October 2007. It will take place in Brussels, at the Economic and Social Committee, 99 Rue Belliard, in Brussels. The meeting starts at 10.00 and will end at 16.00. An area map is enclosed for information. Interpretation has been requested to and from French, English, German, (...)
Workers’ side proposes contents of EWC agreement in 2nd SNB meeting
Good information and consultation rights, sufficient resources and the ambition to improve working conditions for the men and women working for ENEL were the main preoccupations of the 2nd meeting of the special negotiating body ENEL. The workers’ side considered its platform of issues and demands for the EWC agreement and had a first discussion with management. The next meeting is foreseen for 4-5 February 2008.
The SNB met 16-17 October 2007, Rome. Trade union representatives from (...)
The SNB met 16-17 October 2007, Rome. Trade union representatives from (...)
Austrian EVN agrees European Works Council with Macedonian representation
PRESS COMMUNICATION, 19 September 2007
The Austrian company EVN active in water, energy and related services agreed to establish a European Works Council, 12 September 2007. The company employs around 10.000 workers predominantly in Austria, Bulgaria and Macedonia. The Special negotiating body reached agreement with management and the EWC will include representation from the Macedonian work force in the distribution company. It is believed to be one of the first EWC agreements with a (...)
The Austrian company EVN active in water, energy and related services agreed to establish a European Works Council, 12 September 2007. The company employs around 10.000 workers predominantly in Austria, Bulgaria and Macedonia. The Special negotiating body reached agreement with management and the EWC will include representation from the Macedonian work force in the distribution company. It is believed to be one of the first EWC agreements with a (...)
EWC of EDF asks opening of negotiations to have fair distribution of profits
EDF is one of the energy companies with an excellent result in 2006. Profits are high. The EWC of EDF wants management of all the EDF companies to discuss with the trade unions how the workers can share in these excellent results. To read the opinion (Fr) ....
Profit sharing, equality and diversity, employment and qualifications on Suez EWC agenda
(20 June 2007) The EWC approved in principle a number of agreements, rejected others and demanded continuation of negotiations on a range of other issues. The agreements are not signed yet, as some consultations are ongoing and a number of minor questions need to be solved (read the full article).
Towards an European Works Council in Italian energy company ENEL
Union representatives from Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia and Spain met with management of the Italian energy company ENEL to discuss the establishment of a European Works Council. EPSU was represented by its Deputy General Secretary Jan Willem Goudriaan. We welcome the start of the process to agree an EWC for one of Europe’s leading energy companies. We look forward to an EWC which reflects the strong social commitments of the company.
The first meeting of the Special Negotiating (...)
The first meeting of the Special Negotiating (...)
Steady progress with European Works Councils in EPSU areas
(23 April 2007) The EPSU EWC coordinators discussed recent developments. The EPSU Deputy General presented the recent EWC agreement which was reached with the Czech company CEZ and signed by EPSU. CEZ is the first EWC of a Czech company and the first EWC which is made up of representatives of trade unions in the new member states (Czech, Bulgaria, Poland, Romania). He underlined the progressive formulation of information and consultation which includes that consultation is to take place (...)
Czech Energy Company CEZ concludes European Works Council agreement
Press Communication (3 April) The agreement is believed to be the first exclusively New Member States European Works Council and will have representatives from Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Poland and Romania.. It will be composed of 23 members. The Steering or Select Committee will have 7 members. The primary way to nominate the EWC members will be through the trade unions. The EWC will allow the trade union representatives from the different subsidiaries and countries to address important (...)
Unions in Aguas Barcelona meet up
The Spanish company Aquas Barcelona has acquired recently Bristol Water in the UK. The UK unions are concerned about the long-term commitments of the company given the many changes they have already seen in the UK. Suez, Veolia, RWE, Enron (Azurix) have withdrawn or reduced their interests in the water sector in the UK. The unions had a fruitful meeting with management and agreed to seek the establishment of a European Works Council.
Background
Aguas Barcelona owns health care clinics (...)
Background
Aguas Barcelona owns health care clinics (...)
EWC SUEZ meets but lacks important information on merger project
The European Works Council of Suez met 23-26 October. It held a preparatory and a debriefing meeting. It met in plenary with Suez CEO Mr. Mestrallet. The main issue of the discussion concerned the proposed merger with French company Gas de France. Read more
Suez negotiating group considers decent wages and profit-sharing
Discussions continued to consider what a decent wage is. This should also be linked to decent wage development, which should include compensation for inflation to protect purchasing power and sharing in productivity increases. Management explained that the wage policy of the group is indeed orientated towards protecting of purchasing power. This is subject to exceptions related to the economic situation of the individual companies. Other elements are that the company strives to have (...)
Polish utility unions standing up to multinational companies
Polish utilities are one of Europe’s prime battlefields for foreign operators. Following privatisation of several municipal services, almost all European waste and energy companies are active in Poland. The giant water companies eye the countries water services.
To discuss the recent developments in the utilities and the multinational companies which are now active, a seminar was organised which brought together unions from the municipal, energy, water and waste services from Solidarnosc, (...)
To discuss the recent developments in the utilities and the multinational companies which are now active, a seminar was organised which brought together unions from the municipal, energy, water and waste services from Solidarnosc, (...)
Transparency for Private Equity Funds
The EPSU EWC Coordinators considered the role of Private Equity Funds. A paper of PSIRU was discussed. The two main concerns are that private equity funds often operate on a very short term focusing exclusively on profits above all else and that they are not transparent about their strategies and finance. Information is crucial. EPSU will draw the attention to their funds of European Commission and MEPs. It was noted that the EWC Directive is not clear if EWCs could be established with (...)
First meeting European Works Council of Veolia Environment
Following the signing of the agreement in October 2005 the first meeting of the EWC took place 21 September 2006. Trade union representatives met 20 September to prepare. Work programme, communication and what can be expected of the Bureau were discussed. The EWC elected its Bureau and the Secretary of the EWC, colleague David Bimboire (France). He stressed the importance of the social dialogue, information and consultation and that the EWC is to work to improve working conditions. (...)
New European Works Council: ENEL
(19 September 2006) A delegation of the trade unions met with management of ENEL to discuss the composition of the special negotiating body and training for these representatives. ENEL has agreed to establish an EWC and the process of nominations for the SNB will start soon.
Transnational bargaining
As part of its Social Agenda for the period 2005-2010, the European Commission initiated a discussion on setting up an optional legal framework for transnational bargaining.
For more, read the article in the Collective Bargaining section
Negotiations start in Suez: employment policy main issue of first meeting
(24 August 2006) The Bureau of the European Works Council of Suez and the French Trade unions have started negotiations with management to define a social policy for the company which will also ensure more guarantees for workers and should improve information and consultation rights. A series of meeting has been agreed with management (read more).
First European Works Council in private health care company
Capio is the first health care company to conclude a European Works Council agreement. Privatisation of health care contributes to the creation of multinationals in this sector.
“EPSU firmly believes in public health care, says EPSU Deputy General Secretary. Nonetheless workers in the European private health companies want to discuss central management’s policies, influence decisions and work to improve working conditions. The EWC is an instrument to achieve this.”
The special (...)
“EPSU firmly believes in public health care, says EPSU Deputy General Secretary. Nonetheless workers in the European private health companies want to discuss central management’s policies, influence decisions and work to improve working conditions. The EWC is an instrument to achieve this.”
The special (...)
SUEZ European Works Councils demands social guarantees before merger
The Suez EWC discussed the merger with Gas de France. It concluded that before expressing itself for or against the merger guarantees were needed with regard to employment, information and consultation rights, the future of Suez Environment in a possible new company and the investment programme for all parts of the company including waste, water and energy services. The EWC supported the approach of the Bureau of the EWC that negotiations should be started to ensure that the Suez’ workers (...)
Bureau EWC SUEZ meets amid rumours of eminent hostile bid of ENEL
The merger project between Suez and Gas de France is meeting hurdles. For the merger to go ahead, the French government needs to change the law which prevents privatisation of Gas de France. This change needs a parliamentary majority which is not guaranteed. In the context of current rising prices for gas and the prospect that gas prices for domestic users will increase with the market opening 1 July 2007 (as prescribed by the European Directives for opening the gas and electricity markets) (...)
Déclaration unanime du Comité d’Entreprise Européen de Gaz de France, 31 Mai 2006
DÉCLARATION UNANIME DU COMITE D’ENTREPRISE EUROPEEN DE GAZ DE FRANCE
SEANCE DU 31 MAI 2006
SEANCE DU 31 MAI 2006
Out-sourcing a priority issue for European Works Councils, argue coordinators and EWC representatives
(Report of the meeting of 10 May 2006)
Many companies in the utilities and other sectors outsource activities in different forms, including off-shoring. European Works Councils are also confronted with this and sometimes seek agreement with the employer. Suez for example has agreed with the EWC not to off-shore its Shared Services Centres. The EWC coordinators discussed a background paper on outsourcing. They also considered a list of issues to be considered for agreements in the case of (...)
Many companies in the utilities and other sectors outsource activities in different forms, including off-shoring. European Works Councils are also confronted with this and sometimes seek agreement with the employer. Suez for example has agreed with the EWC not to off-shore its Shared Services Centres. The EWC coordinators discussed a background paper on outsourcing. They also considered a list of issues to be considered for agreements in the case of (...)
Bureau of Suez: merger with GdF and Shared Services Centres on agenda
The members of Bureau received an extended overview of the possible consequences of the merger Suez and Gas de France from the experts of Secafi. The two companies have notified the European Commission of the project and Suez formally informed the Bureau. The Commission will now explore if the merger will lead to market dominance and possible abuse of a dominant position. The IED decided to explore the possibility to intervene vis-à-vis- the European Commission to bring its concerns (...)
EPSU European Works Council Coordinators Network meeting
10 May 2006
Suez CEO commits to no forced redundancies in merger project
(7 April 2006) EWC meets in extra-ordinary meeting on merger-project Gas de France
The European Works Council of Suez, called Instance Europeenne de Dialogue, met in extra-ordinary session following a demand of the Bureau of the EWC, 7 April 2006, Paris. They met together with the Comite Groupe Francaise.
The representatives discussed the merger project in a pre-meeting with the (financial-economic) experts of Secafi. They presented the pros and contras and consequences for the workers in (...)
The European Works Council of Suez, called Instance Europeenne de Dialogue, met in extra-ordinary session following a demand of the Bureau of the EWC, 7 April 2006, Paris. They met together with the Comite Groupe Francaise.
The representatives discussed the merger project in a pre-meeting with the (financial-economic) experts of Secafi. They presented the pros and contras and consequences for the workers in (...)
Outsourcing prevented in Vattenfall Europe (Germany)
(30 March 2006) The German unions including Verdi have reached an agreement which prevents that outsourced companies would not have to apply the collective agreement. The unions organised a number of demonstrations in several German towns. SEKO, the Swedish union organising workers in Vattenfall, supported the German colleagues and even threatened strike if no deal would be reached.
read our press release (7 March 2006)
29. März 2006 Tarifbindung bei Vattenfall gesichert
In einer (...)
read our press release (7 March 2006)
29. März 2006 Tarifbindung bei Vattenfall gesichert
In einer (...)
Gas de France European Works Council meets to consider merger with Suez
An extra-ordinary meeting of the EWC was informed of the plans of Gas de France to merger with Suez. The EWC is highly critical and does not support the project.
read more
read moreSuez/GDF merger under scrutiny of Suez European Works Council, 14 March 2006, Paris
(Brussels 15 March 2006) The Bureau of the SUEZ European Consultative Committee (European Works Council) met on 14 March to discuss the planned 70 billion Euro merger between Suez and Gaz de France.
Amid the current political crisis of the European energy sector, the trade union delegates discussed with their experts from Secafi-Alpha the possible implications of the proposed merger for employment, prices, supply and nuclear security of power plants, and the effects on other energy (...)
Amid the current political crisis of the European energy sector, the trade union delegates discussed with their experts from Secafi-Alpha the possible implications of the proposed merger for employment, prices, supply and nuclear security of power plants, and the effects on other energy (...)
EWCs active in Gaz de France and Suez merger
see sections Gaz de France and Suez
Press Communication: EON bid for Endesa shows Commission "in denial" over EU energy policy
European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU)
Press Communication: Brussels
Immediate release, 22 February 2006
EON bid for Endesa shows Commission "in denial" over EU energy policy
See press communication
Press Communication: Brussels
Immediate release, 22 February 2006
EON bid for Endesa shows Commission "in denial" over EU energy policy
See press communication
Improve Information and Consultation Rights for EWCs
Representatives on EWCs argued that the information and consultation rights in the European Works Council Directive are too weak. Management hardly informs in good time and does not seek the opinion of the EWC before decisions are taken. This needs to be strengthened and the revision of the EWC directive is long overdue. The workers’ representatives of some companies complained bitterly about facilities. Some EWCs only meet once a year, such as the Compass EWC.
The EPSU Deputy General (...)
The EPSU Deputy General (...)
Bulgarian, Czech and Romanian workers consider EWCs
EPSU organised a training session on European Works Councils for representatives of the Bulgarian, Romanian and Czech trade unions in the energy sector. The unions are confronted with transnational companies following recent privatisations. A number of decisions were taken to prepare for negotiations for European Works Councils, comparison of collective agreements and nomination of contact persons. The EPSU Deputy General Secretary and Jean-Claude Ledouaron of ETUI (Education) took part, (...)
EPSU EWC Coordinators tackle European Company
The major topic of the coordinators meeting was workers’ representation and the European Company. The coordinators considered the need for an EPSU policy using the guidelines of the EMF as a starting point for discussion. The issue has become very topical now companies including in the utilities have announced considering European Companies. A European Company or SE can only be established if an agreement has been reached regarding workers’ representation on the Board of the company. (...)
EPSU EWC Coordinators discuss European Company guideline
The Coordinators and EWC secretaries met 6 October 2005, Luxembourg. They considered the following:
Update on recent developments with regard to European Works Councils. Reports were given on EWCs in amongst others RWE Energie and Thames Water, Leipzig Stadtwerke, EDF, Eon, Capio, Veolia and Suez. The number of EWCs covered by EPSU is increasing. Discussion also took place on companies which do not have a EWC yet. Several contributions focused on the role of EWCs in restructuring and in (...)
Update on recent developments with regard to European Works Councils. Reports were given on EWCs in amongst others RWE Energie and Thames Water, Leipzig Stadtwerke, EDF, Eon, Capio, Veolia and Suez. The number of EWCs covered by EPSU is increasing. Discussion also took place on companies which do not have a EWC yet. Several contributions focused on the role of EWCs in restructuring and in (...)
Bureau of the European Works Council Suez, 8 September 2005
Suez announced the take-over of Belgian electricity company Electrabel in August. The implications of this merger were at the focus of discussion and especially the prospect of the creation of a European Company for Suez. This will be discussed further at the plenary meeting of the EWC (19 October). Other issues considered:
Equality and Diversity;
Training;
Suez Energy Services (companies such as Fabricom, GTI, were job losses are foreseen);
Health and Safety - the number of (...)
Equality and Diversity;
Training;
Suez Energy Services (companies such as Fabricom, GTI, were job losses are foreseen);
Health and Safety - the number of (...)
European Works Council Merger & Acquisitions check list
(Updated in September 2005)
Comité d’entreprise européen: fusions et acquisitions, aide-mémoire
Europäischer Betriebsrat: Checkliste Fusionen & Übernahmen
Европейски Заводски Съвет Сливане и Придобиване (...)
Comité d’entreprise européen: fusions et acquisitions, aide-mémoire
Europäischer Betriebsrat: Checkliste Fusionen & Übernahmen
Европейски Заводски Съвет Сливане и Придобиване (...)
EDF European Works Council agreement improved
The European Works Council of EDF, the French electricity company, has made a number of changes to the existing agreement. Rights for information and consultation have been improved amongst others. It also sets out the objective to increase the representation of women in the EWC. The agreement was signed 17 May 2005. EPSU Deputy General Secretary signed for EPSU. The first meeting of the new EWC, took place 18 May. Claude Pommery has been re-elected the EDF (...)
European Works Council Coordinators meeting 8 April 2005
The coordinators discussed:
Recent developments in European Works Councils such as in Veolia, Suez, Severn Trent, EDF, RWE, Leipzig Stadtwerke and other companies. An increase in activities is noted as EPSU and unions continue to cover more companies.
Corporate Social Responsibility
A presentation was made by a representative of the Trade Union Advisory Committee (TUAC) of the OECD on the Guidelines on Multinationals and how they could be used by a European Works Council. The agreement on (...)
Recent developments in European Works Councils such as in Veolia, Suez, Severn Trent, EDF, RWE, Leipzig Stadtwerke and other companies. An increase in activities is noted as EPSU and unions continue to cover more companies.
Corporate Social Responsibility
A presentation was made by a representative of the Trade Union Advisory Committee (TUAC) of the OECD on the Guidelines on Multinationals and how they could be used by a European Works Council. The agreement on (...)
First European Works Council in municipal company
Press release - 18 March 2005
The German Leipzig municipal company bought three municipal district heating companies in Poland in 2004. The trade unions in the companies (Gdansk, Starograd, Tczew), including EPSU affiliated union the Public Services Secretariat of Solidarnosc, the works council of the Leipzig company and Verdi negotiated a European Works Council agreement. The agreement was finalised during a seminar 16-18 March 2005, Gdansk. It is the first European Works Council for a (...)
The German Leipzig municipal company bought three municipal district heating companies in Poland in 2004. The trade unions in the companies (Gdansk, Starograd, Tczew), including EPSU affiliated union the Public Services Secretariat of Solidarnosc, the works council of the Leipzig company and Verdi negotiated a European Works Council agreement. The agreement was finalised during a seminar 16-18 March 2005, Gdansk. It is the first European Works Council for a (...)
European Works Councils and take-overs in applicant countries
EPSU EWC Seminar
Best Western Parc Hotel - Bucharest, Romania
29- January - 1 February 2005
Семинар на ЕЗС, организиран от ЕФСКУ, за Европейските заводски (...)
Best Western Parc Hotel - Bucharest, Romania
29- January - 1 February 2005
Семинар на ЕЗС, организиран от ЕФСКУ, за Европейските заводски (...)
Unions build strength in Europe’s energy companies
Press Release - 31 January 2005
Governments in Romania and Bulgaria have privatised several companies that distribute electricity. These companies have been taken-over by large existing European companies which thus continue to build their energy empires. To consider the consequences for the workers and to discuss future strategies, trade union representatives from the companies concerned meet in Bucharest, 29 January to 1 February 2005. The seminar is organised by EPSU, the powerful (...)
Governments in Romania and Bulgaria have privatised several companies that distribute electricity. These companies have been taken-over by large existing European companies which thus continue to build their energy empires. To consider the consequences for the workers and to discuss future strategies, trade union representatives from the companies concerned meet in Bucharest, 29 January to 1 February 2005. The seminar is organised by EPSU, the powerful (...)
Vattenfall’s Corporate Social Responsibility report criticised
The Swedish state owned company Vattenfall held a CSR seminar, 13 October in Brussels. The seminar was at the occasion of the publication of its CSR report. Climate Action Network, WWF, Community View Finders, EPSU and Richard Howitt of the EP participated. While the work of Vattenfall to commit to a CSR strategy was welcomed, each participant criticised the company for not being sufficiently transparent regarding the stakeholders consulted. Richard Howitt supported the position of EPSU (...)
EPSU European Works Council Coordinators meet
The coordinators took stock of recent developments in companies that have established EWCs or are in the process of setting one up. The list becomes gradually longer as more companies are covered.
The main item of discussion concerned Corporate Social Responsibility and how unions and EWCs should relate to it. Experience of several companies was shared. It was agreed to continue working on this focusing amongst others on implementation, monitoring, verification of not just compliance, but (...)
The main item of discussion concerned Corporate Social Responsibility and how unions and EWCs should relate to it. Experience of several companies was shared. It was agreed to continue working on this focusing amongst others on implementation, monitoring, verification of not just compliance, but (...)
Negotiations for an EWC of Veolia Environment commence
The Special Negotiating Body of Veolia Environment met for the first time 14-15 September 2004. The SNB brings together representatives of almost all EU countries (Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK) plus Norway and Romania. The company has over 185.000 employees in Europe and more then 240.000 worldwide. It employs workers in waste (Onyx), energy (...)
Worker involvement in the European Company (SE) - new web site launched
14 April - ETUI has launched the new website www.seeeurope-network.org
The website is intended to provide information on the topic of worker involvement in the European Company (SE).
You can already find on the web page information on aspects such as
The state of the art of the transposition process of the SE legislation into national laws;
Documents and background information on the European Company (e.g. working papers, political statements, legal texts);
Information on existing (...)
The website is intended to provide information on the topic of worker involvement in the European Company (SE).
You can already find on the web page information on aspects such as
The state of the art of the transposition process of the SE legislation into national laws;
Documents and background information on the European Company (e.g. working papers, political statements, legal texts);
Information on existing (...)
Resources on transnational companies
Please see our main section on >TNCs and EWCs See also our section on>Public Utilities
Public Services International, EPSU and the UK based Public Services International Research Unit carry out extensive research on the developments in different public services and the activities of transnational companies in these sectors. Information is available on:
Energy
Water
Waste
Local government
Health care and social services
Several contracted-out services in cleaning, catering, IT
Due (...)
Public Services International, EPSU and the UK based Public Services International Research Unit carry out extensive research on the developments in different public services and the activities of transnational companies in these sectors. Information is available on:
Energy
Water
Waste
Local government
Health care and social services
Several contracted-out services in cleaning, catering, IT
Due (...)
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