Company policy and EWCs, Germany, Europe
Trade unions set up global union network in German multinational Fresenius active in care and renal dialysis
The German company Fresenius active across the global in care, renal dialysis and medical products is quickly building a reputation of a company that does not respect its workers.
Landmark European works council agreement for EPSU in social care
On 29 April EPSU signed a landmark agreement with the French-based Korian social care multinational to set up a European works council (EWC). The agreement comes two years after EPSU took the initiative to bring together affiliates that organise in the company to form a network with a view to establishing an EWC. EPSU believes this is an important step in improving information and consultation in the company and sets the standard for other multinationals in the fast-growing social care sector.
Building transnational union networks in private social care
EPSU has made considerable progress in bringing together trade union representatives from across Europe in two social care multinationals - Orpea and Korian. Company networks are being built in both organisations while steps have already been taken in Orpea towards setting up a European works council, with the first meeting of the Special Negotiating Body taking place on 25 April. Both companies are French-owned and have expanded rapidly in recent years with subsidiaries now operating in several European countries.
Unions in care multinational coordinate at European level
(May 2017) Trade union reps from subsidiaries of the social care multinational Orpea came together in Brussels on 4-5 May to discuss common problems and how to improve coordination and potentially initiate moves to setting up a European works council. Participants debated the pressure of increased workloads and the role of profit-seeking multinationals in providing social care.
Prison unions debate impact of austerity and quality employment
(May 2017) Trade unions representing prison workers across Europe met in Brussels on 10 May to discuss a range of issues relating to continuing austerity, collective bargaining and trade union rights. Key issues that emerged during the meeting included the increase in violence against prison staff, problems of understaffing and developing issues around digitalisation and, in some countries, radicalisation of inmates. The meeting was part of a two-year project run by EPSU with the next meeting in December focusing on childcare workers.
New decent work guidelines for multinationals
(April 2017) The International Labour Organisation has issued new guidelines for multinational enterprises. The revision has added to the longstanding ILO declaration by adding principles addressing specific decent work issues related to social security, forced labour, transition from the informal to the formal economy, wages, access to remedy and compensation of victims. The principles have been agreed with employers, trade unions and governments and set out responsibilities for public authorities.
Briefing argues for greater union and EWC role in restructuring
(March 2017) A policy brief from the European Trade Union Institute examines the role of European works councils (EWCs) in restructuring. It finds that not only is there a problem ensuring that existing EWCs play a full role in the information and consultation process but that a significant number of major restructuring are carried out where there are no EWCs. The briefing highlights the need for better rights for EWCs as well as for a stronger role for trade unoins.
Study shows need to change takeover law
(October 2016) A new study from the ETUI trade union research insititute argues that the EU Takeover Bids Directive needs to be revised, as it does not provide an adequate level of workers’ rights in its current form.The report includes case studies of takeovers as well as analyses of national legal frameworks regulating takeovers and of transversal issues related to takeovers.