Gas social dialogue working group looks at EP amendments to Directive

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 Strategy Energy Review. An important issue for the sector relates to having the required qualified staff to deal with this and what support the Commission.
A joint project to consider Demographic Change and Competencies was introduced. It has been submitted for financial assistance to the European Commission.
The social partners also considered the working programme for 2009-2010. Suggestions were made to consider Corporate Social Responsibility for the sector, Equality and Diversity as well as Health and Safety. The plenary meeting in November will decide. Representatives from Slovakia, Czech Republic, UK, France, Portugal and Austria and the EPSU Deputy General Secretary participated for EPSU.