(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 on security of supply and quality of service and will slow down the ambitions of the European Union. This lack of recognition and the need to address a serious problem together is baffling".
The social partners agreed to pursue the issue. They did welcome the support of the European Commission for an amendment of the European parliament regarding the employment consequences of the different models regarding unbundling.
The social partners also discussed the work programme for 2009. The following is agreed:
- Continued monitoring of developments regarding the Internal market for gas
- Considering the social implications of the strategic energy review, revision of security of gas supply directive
- Monitoring of developments regarding the European Energy Community (South East Europe)
- Executing the Demographic change and skills project
- Developing the following themes:
- Restructuring
- Health and safety
- Equality and Diversity
- Corporate Social Responsibility
Dates for the next meetings in 2009 are:
- 19 March- working group
- 18 June, plenary
- 30 September, working group
- 2 December, plenary
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