(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 negative (loss of jobs) or positive (new services that develop). The Commission should do an impact assessment.
The social partners also considered the Gas Security of Supply Directive and noted with concern that the Commission has not involved the sectoral social dialogue committee, despite the fact that an impact assessment was made.
A presentation was made of the results of the study and the progress with the toolkit on Demographic change and competencies. The committee also approved the draft programme for the Gas Conference on this issue foreseen for 4 November 2009.
The trade union side presented the outlines of a project on Corporate Social Responsibility. Eurogas requested more time to react to the proposal.
As regards the social aspects of the Energy Community (Balkan countries), the social dialogue committee underlined the importance of the Memorandum of Understanding and the national social action plans, appreciating the role of the European Commission and Energy Community Secretariat and expressing concern that the countries involved are not developing concrete action plans that allow unions, employers and governments to address restructuring.
The sectoral social dialogue committee for the European gas sector took place, 26 June 2009, Brussels. EPSU was represented by the Deputy General Secretary and Didier Baur (CGT-FNME, France) as vice-president. Other representatives came from Austria, Finland, Hungary, Lithuania, Portugal, Romania, UK.
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