Energy

Jun. 29, 2018
2018 June epsucob@NEWS 13

Union mobilises against energy network companies

France France

The FNME-CGT energy union is stepping up its mobilisation of workers in the Enedis and GRDF electricity and gas network companies. The union accuses both companies of focusing on increasing profits at the expense of employees and customers. The companies are pushing through restructuring, outsourcing and job cuts with employees facing work intensification and pressure to deliver services without the proper resources. The union has a range of key demands including an increase in pay and an end to job cuts and outsourcing.
Jun. 01, 2018
2018 June epsucob@NEWS 11

Energy union threatens strike action over pay

Romania Romania

The Federation of Trade Unions Gaz Romania (FSGR) has said it may resort to strike action if the ENGIE energy company doesn't respond to its demands on pay. The union argues that the employers have failed to come up with a reasonable offer and also to provide information needed for the negotiations. The union has been in contact with the Labour Inspectorate to help put pressure on the company to provide the requested data and it hasn't ruled out possible legal action to be accompanied by protests and strikes.
May. 18, 2018
2018 May epsucob@NEWS 10

Confederations announce 24-hour general strike

Greece Greece

The ADEDY public sector confederation will be joining with the GSEE private sector confederation and other trade union and professional organisations in a 24-hour general strike on 30 May in protest at the continuing austerity being imposed on workers and citizens. ADEDY says that public sector workers are still suffering from pay cuts of up to 40% while more precarious working conditions have spread across the public services and there are critical staff shortages in important areas of health and social services.
Mar. 19, 2018
2018 March epsucob@NEWS 06

Long-term struggle and warning strikes deliver pay increases

Germany Germany

Members of the ver.di services union have secured pay increases following action in both the health and energy sectors. After more than a year in dispute, the union has managed to negotiate a new pay deal for workers at the CFM facilities management company. Around 1600 low paid workers will benefit from a basic pay rate of EUR 11 an hour which will mean increases worth 10%-16%. The union will be building on the solidarity maintained over the course of the dispute in preparation for next year's bargaining round which will begin no later than 1 July. In the energy sector 4500 employees at EON took part in warning strikes that helped to deliver a 3% pay increase and EUR 1100 lump sum for around 10000 workers. Apprentices will also get an EUR 85 increase and EUR 500 lump sum. There will also be two extra days' leave for ver.di members only.
Feb. 21, 2018
2018 February epsucob@NEWS 04

Energy workers take action

France France Germany Germany

Energy workers in France and Germany have taken or are planning action over pay and privatisation. In Germany, warning strikes have helped deliver a 3% pay increase for 17000 private sector energy workers in the Baden-Württemberg region. There will also be a EUR 70 increase for apprentices and additional holiday pay specifically for ver.di members. Energy workers in France took action on 8 February as part of a long-running protest over the fall in purchasing power in the sector with a demand to re-open pay negotiations. A strike is also planned for 15 March in opposition to proposals to sell off hydro-electric power concessions.
Jan. 24, 2018
2018 January epsucob@NEWS 02

Energy unions secure 3% pay rise and other improvements

Austria Austria

The GPA-djp and PRO-GE energy unions have negotiated a new collective agreement covering around 20000 workers in the private energy sector. The 3% pay rise also covers apprentices and shift allowances while other allowances increase by 2.5%. The agreement includes several other provisions such as protection of special payments and holiday entitlement during paternity leave. The trade unions will also work with the employers to look at women's employment and representation in the sector. There will be working groups on other issues, including working time, and agreement to carry out audits of diversity issues.