International Trade Union House (ITUH) – Room Auditorium
5 Boulevard du Roi Albert II, 1210 Brussels
Start: 13.30 on 26 November 2009
End: 13.30 on 27 November 2009
for meeting documents and follow-up click here
EPSU invites you to participate in a European Waste Conference on 26-27 November 2009 in Brussels.
Background
The European Waste sector is going through many changes. The European Waste Framework Directive was adopted in 2007 and is being implemented leading to changes in company behaviour. The economic crisis hits the sector hard with reduced waste streams and several companies cutting back on work force. On the other hand it is argued including in the European Commission’s Skills studies that there is a potential for employment growth in the sector.
European Works Councils representing workers in the waste sector are faced with competition, long working hours, employers that leave national agreements and the consequences of the economic crisis. A process of consolidation is taking place and including through private equity companies.
The European Foundation of Living and Working Conditions and the European Health and Safety Agency have identified a large number of problems in the waste sector with new (risky) substances.
These developments raise questions as to the role of the EWC and its members as well as for the trade unions organising workers in the waste industry.
Objectives
The objectives of the workshop are:
- Strengthening of cooperation between workers' representatives
- Contributing to a better understanding of the role of a European Works Council and its possibilities (and limitations);
- Informing EWC representatives and trade union officers of the new EWC Directive and possible changes
- Reporting on experience/effectiveness of existing EWCs and best practice development;
- Anticipation of change and resolution of conflicts in a very competitive environment;
- Recruitment and organising workers.
The meeting will also be the occasion to discuss the sections on the waste sector of the EPSU Congress resolution
- Targeting more companies to establish a European Woks Council
- Considering a European Social Dialogue for the Waste sector
- Reflecting on a European Day of Action to stop cut throat procurement and work towards decent working conditions.
We expect as impact:
- an increase in the number of EWCs in the waste companies that are eligible for an EWC
- Better cooperation between trade unions and workers’ representatives in the waste sector, possibly through the establishment of a waste contact list.
Practical Details
We would particularly encourage affiliates to help us improve the gender balance at this event by nominating women delegates.
Languages for the seminar
Active: French, German, English, Italian, Romanian
Passive: Danish, Swedish, Dutch, Spanish
The Conference will take place in the Auditorium of the International Trade Union House, 5 Boulevard du Roi Albert II, 1210 Brussels, starting at 13.30 26th November and ending at 13.30 on 27th November.
Unions are expected to cover travel and accommodation expenses of their participants.
European Commission funding means that financial assistance is available for a limited number of delegates from the European Union and Candidate Countries. Please see the note below explaining this. Preference is given to colleagues from New Member States and to EWC representatives
A hotel list offering preferential tariffs to EPSU / ETUC is attached.
A follow up meeting is foreseen for 16 March 2010.
Please return the enclosed participation form to the EPSU Secretariat by 1 November 2009 at the latest. Thank you.
for meeting documents click here
- Participation form
- List of hotels and an area map
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