EPSU and other international trade union organisations have joined the protests against labour law reforms that would undermine worker and trade union rights. Among other negative changes, the reforms would reduce protection against dismissal, increase working time, allow for zero-hour contracts, undermine collective bargaining and weaken trade union rights' to organise. Trade unions were not involved in any consultation over the proposals and EPSU has sent a letter of protest to the government.
Protests mount over labour law reforms
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Week of action in protest at labour law reforms
On 30 June trade unions, supported by international union organisations, organised protests across the country, launching a week of action against government proposals to reform labour law. The substantial changes undermine trade union rights and are in conflict with the fundamental International Labour Organisation conventions (87 and 98) on the right to organise and negotiate. EPSU, along with the ETUC, has written letters of protest to the government, president and parliament.
Confederation protests over labour law reforms
The ALFA Cartel trade union confederation, including EPSU affiliates Hipocrat and Sigol, organised a number of demonstrations in cities across the country on 2-4 October. The protests were over the coalition government’s failure to do anything about the labour law reforms that it promised to repeal when in opposition. The Confederation reports that the undermining of social dialogue has meant 1,000 fewer collective agreements this year. There have been attacks on pay and conditions, but no sign of any increase in jobs.
Labour law reforms mapped
A new working paper from the ETUI trade union research institute maps labour law reforms in various European countries either triggered by the crisis or introduced using the crisis – falsely – as an excuse. In several countries fundamental changes are being made to industrial relations structures and processes which might jeopardise social dialogue and collective bargaining there. Read more at > ETUI (EN)