Electricity social partner sign CSR statement and agree on Just Employment Transition

(23 June 2009) The electricity social partners agreed a joint position on Corporate Social Responsibility 22 June 2009.

The position refers to the joint study Describing Developments in the European electricity industry – drivers for change 2007 and draws joint conclusions.

CSR is about commitments which go beyond respecting the law and recognized international standards. The Statement is the first continental and sectoral wide position that endorses the Global Reporting Initiative Supplement for the Electricity Industry which has additional benchmarks for the sector.

- To read the joint position

- To read the study

Helen Donoghue of DG Energy presented an update on the Strategic Energy Review and especially regarding the Energy Road Map for 2050. The social partners asked to be consulted and involved in the preparation of this Road Map. The issue of smart meters, the introduction of which is included in the 3rd Energy Package, will be further explored. The introduction can have profound social implications.

Georges Gerbillon of the European Commission presented the forthcoming consultation on Electro-Magnetic Fields. The Commission will ask a number of questions such as if longer term consequences need to be part of the Directive (currently these are not considered). He argued that a position of the social partners would be welcome. The consultation is foreseen before the summer break. The consultation prepares the way for an update of the Directive. The existing Directive (2004/4/EC) has hardly been implemented by the Member States.

The social partners agreed to work on a joint project on Just Employment Transition. This will compare existing studies, seeks to explore what is done at national level and determine joint action points. A kick-off meeting is foreseen for 10 December 2009, in Budapest.

A brief report was provided on the ongoing work of the mult-sectoral dialogue on Violence at Work and Third Parties. The social partners continue to monitor these developments.

A major issue for the social partners is the follow up to the joint positions and toolkits. The use of the recent toolkits on demographic change and restructuring and the one on equality/ diversity will be explored. The toolkits are available here

The work group in October will come back to the Commission Skill Studies and which conclusions can be drawn from these.

Dates of the next meetings

- 7 October 2009 – Brussels
- 10 December 2009 – Budapest – workshop on Climate Change and -* Just Transition – Open
- 11 December 2009 – Budapest – Plenary Social Dialogue Committee