A stable framework needed say electricity employers and trade unions

(19 June 2007) Employers and trade unions in the European electricity sector agree that if Europe wants to attract the massive investment needed for new capacity and for keeping the networks safe and secure a stable framework is needed and not a changing of the rules every so many years. Trade unions were outspoken in their criticism of ownership unbundling but also employers are sceptical. Both sides agree to the importance of impact assessments including the social dimension. EPSU Deputy General Secretary Jan Willem Goudriaan remarked that with electricity and gas prices rising the Commission's approach of liberalised market is losing support both of house holds as well as of large industry. Unbundling will have social consequences and impact on investment, rather the contrary of what the Commission intends.

The Commission presented the current state of play which still includes reflection on the similarities or not of the electricity and gas sector; and the need or not to include new measures on unbundling of the distribution networks. If the markets function there will no need for further interventions. And that is the point: the fully perfect markets as envisioned by free market ideologues will not be realised and hence further going proposals can be expected in a number of years.

The links were made between the different issues on the agenda as the energy choices and investment strategies will influence restructuring, skill needs, ageing and the like.

Other issues considered included:
- Employment study of EcoTec for the European Commission: the social partners will draw their joint conclusions and also draw attention to the results of the study, indicating that the study should be build upon to reflect future developments (read our article and the study here);
- Demographic ageing: both sides agree the Terms of Reference of a project on demographic ageing;
- Restructuring: representative of the Commission presented the Commission's work on restructuring. The work of the social partners in the electricity sector was noted. Also in this area a project will be proposed.

The trade unions meet with Eurelectric for the employers side. It was chaired by Sven Bergelin, the EPSU Utilities President and currently President of the sectoral social dialogue committee. The meeting took place 18 June 2007, Brussels.