(4 December 2009) The main discussion concentrated on the follow up to be given to the study and the toolkit on demographic change and competencies. The importance of a national follow up was underlined. The study and toolkit will also be addressed to the European Commission. Related to the project, the union side made a proposal for a joint position on the studies for the Commission on Investing in the Future of Jobs and Skills. One of these covers the electricity, gas, water and waste (...)
Demographic Change and Skills to be taken seriously when developing European energy policy
Press Release (Brussels, 5 November 2009)
Both employers and trade unions are concerned about the ageing profile of the workforce with many workers retiring in the next 5-10 years in the European gas sector. This poses particular challenges to ensure the level of competencies and skills which is important to maintain a high quality service, to develop the gas infrastructure, to ensure security of supply and to respond to technological developments and climate change (read more)
(6 October 2009) The gas social partners considered the final study of the project on demographic change and competencies. The representatives considered a series of recommendations by the researchers (David Tarren, Working Life Research Institute). Some of these were controversial such as the proposal that in response to the looming skill shortages employers and unions should consider to prolong the retirement age on a voluntary and individual basis for certain occupations. The union side (...)
(29 June 2009) Following a presentation of the contents of the 3rd energy package by a representative of Eurogas, a lively discussion took place around the implications from a social perspective of the Independent Transmission Operator. The social partners noted the importance of consulting the social partners when developing interpretative notes by the European Commission. An exchange took place on the implications of smart meters for companies and workers. The employment effects can be (...)
(20 March 2009, Brussels) Socila Dialogue update - social partners essential to clear long term energy plan. A representative of the European Commission presented the progress that was made under the Strategic Energy Review. The Commission is considering what the energy system of 2050 should look like, and then using these estimates to consider what steps are needed to arrive there. The employers and trade union representatives stressed that this should reflect the employment and skills (...)
(18 November 2008) The European Commission has not recognised the social aspects of the Strategic Energy Review. The gas social partners have drawn attention in their discussions with the European Commission to the problems of skill shortages and the need for continued social dialogue.
This can not be found back in the recently published Strategic Energy Review. Jan Willem Goudriaan adds: "The Commission completely ignores that the lack of qualified and skilled workers can have an impact (...)
The trade unions and the employers for the European Gas Industry (Eurogas) met to discuss a wide range of issues. They reflected on the amendments to the proposed Gas Directive (Internal market) of the European Parliament. The trade unions proposed to jointly request the Council to support the amendments related to employment and working conditions. Eurogas will reflect on this. Related to the internal market and future development of the internal market for gas is also the forth-coming (...)
(18 April 2008) The following issues were considered by the social partners in the European gas industry:
The internal market for the gas sector. It was not possible to find agreement over a joint letter regarding the social consequences of the Commission proposals. This will be discussed further between the secretariats.
Maxime Cerutti of BusinessEurope presented the Violence at Work agreement as agreed between ETUC and the European employers organisations. The social partners agreed (...)
(11 February 2008) A major item of discussion was the 3rd package of liberalisation of the internal market for electricity and gas. Eurogas presented the views on the different parts of the package such as the gas directive, the European Regulatory Agency and the access to transmission networks. The trade union side commented underlining the importance of addressing the social dimension, impact on workers and the need for transparency and democracy with the regulator. The social partners (...)
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