Major conference on European Works Councils

Brussels, 10/06/2008

The major issue in the revision of the European Works Councils is to secure the right to information and consultation for workers within companies and to ensure that companies respect that right. With the EWCs representing an integral part of the European social model, the ETUC is asking for legal action to be taken to penalise any failure to acknowledge this right.

In an economic context which is ever more fluid, because of restructuring operations and relocations with a maximum impact on the daily lives of many workers, information and consultation via the EWCs is essential. Reiner Hoffmann, Deputy General Secretary of the ETUC, states that: “In 75% of cases, restructuring operations do not give rise to any information or consultation of the workers concerned. The text of the revised directive will need to indicate clearly that information and consultation must be handled as far upstream as possible. The EWCs must not see their room for manoeuvre reduced when it comes to tackling such crucial problems”.

The European Union now needs to show that it is ready to improve the environment in which workers live their lives, and above all to ensure respect for their rights.

Reiner Hoffmann adds: “With the aim of getting a quick result, we have launched a campaign ‘for stronger EWCs’, of which this conference is a key part. We feel that we have a realistic chance today of seeing a revision of this directive. The next step will lie in persuading the European Parliament. The entire European trade union movement is mobilised to try and secure this revision”.

Published on 10.06.2008
Press release