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December 1999

• 28 Dec 1999
  Austria: Bargaining round in commerce concluded

  After difficult negotiations, the social partners in Austria's commerce sector concluded a collective agreement for 2000 in November 1999. The agreed minimum pay increase, at 1.75%, is lower than previously agreed in industrial sectors.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Austria: Structures and patterns in collective bargaining reviewed

  With the 1999/2000 collective bargaining round underway, we take the opportunity to examine Austria's system of bargaining. International observers often classify Austria as a case of centralised bargaining. Closer consideration shows that bargaining takes place at the sectoral level but is coordinated across the economy. This coordination rests on the pattern-setting role of the metalworking industry. While this coordination aligns bargaining with macroeconomic requirements, its rather decentralised form ensures flexibility in several respects.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Austria: 1999 Annual Review for Austria

  This record reviews 1999's main developments in industrial relations in Austria

• 28 Dec 1999
  Belgium: Glass manufacturer to close despite trade unions' efforts

  Despite the efforts of trade unions and the Walloon and Flemish governments to push through a restructuring scheme, the troubled Belgian glass manufacturer, Verlipack, is to close in December 1999. The stumbling-block was the failure to find a credible rescuer, able to propose sound financial and industrial plans.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Belgium: Europeanisation of collective bargaining? The case of Belgian metalworking

  The "Europeanisation" of collective bargaining is a key emerging issue in the field of industrial relations, and the way that the European Metalworkers' Federation (EMF) fosters coordination is often put forward as a significant step in exploring the possibilities of a more integrated bargaining policy. Here we analyse the outcomes of the latest bargaining round (covering 1999-2000) in the Belgian metalworking sector, in the light of the collective bargaining guidelines and minimum standards formulated by EMF.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Belgium: The 1999-2000 intersectoral agreement, one year on

  In November 1998, the Belgian social partners reached an intersectoral agreement covering 1999-2000. The agreement consists of two parts: a global commitment on three basic issues (pay, employment and training) and a list of 10 dossiers "concerning working conditions likely to contribute to social cohesion". In September 1999, a generally positive first evaluation of the implementation of the agreement's global pay, employment and training provisions was conducted by the National Labour Council and the Central Economic Council. However, some of the specific dossiers had not been dealt with, and the government and the social partners selected four of the dossiers, on which the social partners had to reach a joint position by 15 December 1999. Should they fail to do so, the government would take the initiative and decide upon the matters concerned.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Belgium: 1999 Annual Review for Belgium

  This record reviews 1999's main developments in industrial relations in Belgium

• 28 Dec 1999
  Germany: Innovative package of agreements to safeguard production sites at Sartorius AG

  In October 1999, an innovative package of company and works agreements was signed at the filtration and weighing products manufacturer, Sartorius AG, which aims to secure jobs and safeguard facilities at its central manufacturing location in Göttingen, Germany.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Germany: Business representatives demand a return to the 40-hour week

  In December 1999, several representatives of German business and employers' associations demanded a return to the 40-hour working week in order to improve competitiveness and create more jobs. In 1999, average collectively agreed working time was 37.5 hours in western Germany and 39.2 hours in eastern Germany.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Germany: 1999 Annual Review for GERMANY

  This record reviews 1999's main developments in industrial relations in GERMANY

• 28 Dec 1999
  Germany: Five-week site occupation at Alcatel in Berlin

  From 13 September to 17 October 1999, workers at the Alcatel Kabel AG data cable factory in Berlin, Germany, occupied the site in protest at management's decision to make 140 of the 170 workers at the plant redundant. The campaign involved numerous demonstrations in Berlin, in other parts of Germany, and at Alcatel headquarters in Paris, as well as visits from politicians, in the context of the Berlin communal elections. The occupation ended with the workers receiving a much improved "social plan" to accompany the redundancies, although the decision to make the workers redundant on 1 January 2000 remains unchanged.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Germany: Studies relaunch debate on further liberalisation of shop opening hours

  In October 1999, the SFS Institute for Social Research and the Ifo Institute for Economic Research presented studies on the effects of longer shop opening hours in Germany. These studies were commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Labour and the Federal Ministry of Economy and Technology in order to identify the effects of the change in opening hours legislation in 1996 on the retail trade and customers on the one hand, and on employees and employment levels on the other. The government is expected to make proposals for a further liberalisation of shop hours on the basis of these findings. Despite negative results in terms of the development of turnover and employment, Ifo recommends a further extension of shop opening hours. In first reactions following the publication of the two studies, trade unions have stated clearly that they are against further liberalisation, while the main retail employers' association has moved to a position in line with Ifo's recommendations. Government, unions, the retailers' association and churches have unanimously declared that they are against any extension of shop opening hours on Sundays and public holidays.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Denmark: Danish collective bargaining round 2000 has initiated

  Denmark's 2000 collective bargaining round opened formally on 28 November 1999, with the launch of talks over a new agreement for 40,000 shop assistants. The HK/Handel trade union wanted negotiations to conclude by Christmas, but the employers were in no hurry, and did not want the commerce sector to usurp the leading role in bargaining rounds traditionally taken by the industry sector.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Denmark: Unibank employees accept pay reform

  Employees at the second-largest bank in Denmark, Unibank, have accepted a new pay system based on the individual job's degree of responsibility and functions. Some of the 10,000 or so employees will have to accept a minor decrease in real wages from 2002, while others' wages will increase by more than they would have done under the old seniority-based pay system. The new pay system means that all positions in the bank are being examined and divided into 250 job functions. The employees are critical on some points but generally satisfied.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Denmark: Spectre of 1998 dispute looms over new bargaining round

  In late 1999, the 2000 Danish collective bargaining round is getting underway. There are good prospects of an amicable settlement, but the shadow of 1998's major industrial dispute still lingers, and this may be of importance for the course of bargaining. It is again the industrial sector which is to act as the front-runner in the bargaining round but, after the problems in 1998, there are limits to how long this sector's bargaining parties (DI and CO-Industri) can protract their bargaining. If a settlement is not reached by mid-January, complications may arise. The fear that trade union members might reject a proposed settlement may also add to the risk of an industrial dispute.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Denmark: 1999 Annual Review for DENMARK

  This record reviews 1999's main developments in industrial relations in DENMARK

• 28 Dec 1999
  Spain: 1999 Annual Review for Spain

  This record reviews 1999's main developments in industrial relations in Spain

• 28 Dec 1999
  Spain: Conflict at RENFE

  A strike was held on Spain's RENFE rail network on 12-13 November 1999, the latest in a series of stoppages at the company. The November strike was called by trade unions in protest at the notices of dismissal issued to workers involved in incidents during action in October.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Spain: Another setback for the 35-hour week

  In November 1999, the Spanish parliament declined to debate the issue of a 35-hour working week and refused to accept for consideration a "popular legislative initiative" supported by more than 750,000 signatures.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Spain: Spanish shipbuilding sector joins European protests

  In November 1999, the 6,000 workers employed in Spanish shipyards, and many of the 30,000 working in auxiliary companies, participated in actions and mobilisations organised by the European Metalworkers' Federation. The aim was to call on the EU to take action against "social dumping" and supposed unfair competition by Asian shipyards.

• 28 Dec 1999
  EU Level: Some progress at November Labour and Social Affairs Council

  At a meeting of the Labour and Social Affairs Council on 29 November 1999, ministers discussed a variety of employment and social security issues, including the Commission's "employment package", the Commission's new anti-discrimination proposals and a range of social security-related matters. However, no agreement was reached on the draft Directive on employee involvement in the European Company.

• 28 Dec 1999
  EU Level: Commission issues anti-discrimination proposals

  In November 1999, the European Commission issued an anti-discrimination package of proposals consisting of two draft Directives, a draft Decision establishing a Community action programme and a Communication to the European institutions. The legislative proposals are based on Article 13 of the European Treaty.

• 28 Dec 1999
  EU Level: Seattle WTO talks fail

  The World Trade Organisation (WTO) talks held in Seattle from 30 November to 3 December 1999 ultimately resulted in failure to make any progress on the contents of the next round of global trade negotiations. One of the main causes of dissent amongst the participants was the issue of including labour standards in international trade agreements.

• 28 Dec 1999
  EU Level: New anti-discrimination Directives proposed by Commission

  A new anti-discrimination package of proposals was issued by the European Commission on 25 November 1999. Based on Article 13 of the Amsterdam Treaty, the new proposals aim to help combat discrimination on a much wider range of grounds than existing EU legislation.

• 28 Dec 1999
  EU Level: 1999 Annual Review for the European Union Level

  This record reviews 1999's main developments in industrial relations at the European Union Level

• 28 Dec 1999
  Finland: Strike levels fall in 1999

  According to figures issued by Statistics Finland in November 1999, the number of working days lost due to strikes during the first six months of the year fell dramatically compared with the corresponding period in 1998. However, the sectoral bargaining round in early 2000 is likely to see a increase in industrial action.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Finland: Barometer examines industrial relations in the Baltic states

  A "working life barometer" for the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, commissioned by the Finnish Ministry of Labour, was published in November 1999. The research focuses on changes in industrial relations and working conditions, and finds that the level of union membership is low, wage differentials huge and the issue of equal opportunities of minor interest. The social dialogue is practically non-existent in these countries and a neo-liberal, market-driven economic policy is being conducted.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Finland: 1999 Annual Review for FINLAND

  This record reviews 1999's main developments in industrial relations in FINLAND

• 28 Dec 1999
  France: MEDEF proposes new social constitution

  In late October 1999, France's Minister for Employment decided to abandon the idea of funding the cuts in employers' social security contributions linked to the implementation of the 35-hour week by siphoning cash away from the budget of UNEDIC, the jointly-managed organisation responsible for the payment of unemployment benefits. Consequently, the MEDEF employers' confederation temporarily withdrew its threat to pull out of the management of social protection agencies, and at the same time approached the trade unions with a proposal to work together to develop a new "social constitution".

• 28 Dec 1999
  France: Discontent spreads among managerial staff on 35-hour week

  November 1999 saw further demonstrations by managerial and professional staff in France, seeking amendments to the bill on the second law on the 35-hour working week, so as to bring a real reduction in working hours for all such employees.

• 28 Dec 1999
  France: CFTC holds 47th congress

  The French Christian Workers' Confederation (CFTC) held its 47th convention in November 1999, following a period in which disagreements had split its governing bodies. Alain Deleu was re-elected as president for a third term.

• 28 Dec 1999
  France: Industrial action in public broadcasting

  November 1999 saw strikes in a number of French public broadcasting companies. The immediate issue behind the action was the implementation of the 35-hour working week in the sector.

• 28 Dec 1999
  France: Industrial unrest linked to introduction of 35-hour week

  December 1999 saw the final adoption of France's second law on the 35-hour week. The debate over the legislation and its implementation, along with concerns over employment, have prompted a major wave of industrial action affecting many areas of both the private and public sectors.

• 28 Dec 1999
  France: 1999 Annual Review for FRANCE

  This record reviews 1999's main developments in industrial relations in FRANCE

• 28 Dec 1999
  Greece: Organising committee seeks industrial peace for 2004 Olympic Games

  Athens is to stage the Olympic Games in 2004. In November 1999, Greece's Olympic Games Organising Committee appealed to the country's trade unions for "industrial peace" between employers and workers before and during the Games.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Greece: Study examines workplace health, safety and working conditions

  In November 1999, the Institute for Health, Safety and Working Conditions (IYASE) presented the results of a study on developments in health, safety and working conditions in Greece over the past 20 years. It finds that there is a considerable shortage of data on workplace-level developments, and that - while there have been improvements, especially in larger firms - new legislation and institutions have not solved the problems.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Greece: 1999 Annual Review for Greece

  This record reviews 1999's main developments in industrial relations in Greece

• 28 Dec 1999
  Ireland: 1999 Annual Review for IRELAND

  This record reviews 1999's main developments in industrial relations in IRELAND

• 28 Dec 1999
  Ireland: ESB must face up to more EU-driven change

  Industrial relations at Ireland's state electricity company, ESB, have been somewhat difficult in 1999, with a workforce ballot on industrial action narrowly averted in November 1999. The situation is complicated by the fact that critical decisions on the future of ESB's peat-burning power stations - and their employees - hinge on the outcome of EU-level decisions over whether they should be covered by "public service obligation" measures.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Ireland: Nurses' deal clears way for talks on new national agreement

  Delegates at a special conference of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions held in November 1999 decided to enter talks on a new national agreement to replace Partnership 2000, which expires on 31 March 2000. The decision followed the resolution of a major strike by nurses.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Ireland: Report calls for change to ensure gender balancing within Ireland's largest union

  A report drawn up by a special gender equity committee in Ireland's largest trade union, SIPTU, presented in October 1999, has proposed a systematic approach to "gender balancing" within the union, including the appointment of women to top-level posts.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Italy: Temporary agency work to be extended

  In November 1999, after an agreement among themselves, trade unions and employers successfully asked the Italian government to modify some aspects of the legislation on temporary agency work and to extend its possible use to areas previously excluded by law - unskilled work and the agriculture and building sectors.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Italy: Unions divided over Bologna's municipal budget

  In November 1999, negotiations on certain aspects of the municipal budget between the three major Italian trade union confederations - Cgil, Cisl and Uil - and Bologna's municipal administration again ended with union disharmony, following an earlier disagreement over an employment pact in Milan. Cisl signed the agreement, Cgil withdrew from the negotiations and Uil signed only a statement declaring its acceptance of the outcomes of the negotiations

• 28 Dec 1999
  Italy: Cisl initiative leads to change in relations between unions

  In November 1999, Italy's Cisl trade union confederation organised a demonstration against the government's economic and social policy, without the support of the two other main confederations, Cgil and Uil. The initiative marked the start of a new phase of "competitive unity" among the unions, following the previous "unity of action" and attempts to create a single union movement. The demonstration also led to divisions within the Siulp police workers' union.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Italy: Industrial relations in shipbuilding in Italy

  Shipbuilding in Italy presents a fragmented picture in terms of both industrial relations and sectoral structure, with a polarisation between a handful of medium to large companies (with Fincantieri being by far the largest) and many smaller enterprises. At the beginning of 2000, an important issue for the sector as a whole is that of the increasing weigh of contracting-out, which is posing important challenges for trade union action. For the companies involved in the construction of larger cargo vessels and cruise liners, the decisions that the European Union and the Italian government, respectively, will take on protecting the industry from Far East competition and on the privatisation of Fincantieri will be particularly significant.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Italy: 1999 Annual Review for Italy

  This record reviews 1999's main developments in industrial relations in Italy

• 28 Dec 1999
  Italy: Important agreement signed on restructuring the state railways

  In November 1999, the government, company management and trade unions signed a framework agreement on restructuring the Italian state railways (FS). The agreement covers all the main areas of the crisis currently afflicting FS – overstaffing, high labour costs, low profits and inefficient organisation – in order to balance the company's books by 2005. The agreement was not signed by the autonomous unions grouped in the Orsa umbrella body, which called a 24-hour national protest strike in December.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Luxembourg: Controversy over introduction of sixth week of statutory leave

  In October 1999, both the OGB-L trade union confederation and the Greens political party called for the introduction of a sixth week of paid annual leave in Luxembourg as part of a general reduction in working time. The demand has been vehemently opposed by the Employers' Liaison Committee.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Luxembourg: Minister of Labour blocks registration of banking agreement

  On 1 December 1999, Luxembourg's Minister of Labour blocked the registration of a collective agreement for the banking sector signed by the ALEBA and UEP trade unions, thus denying them nationally representative status. The unions have announced that they will be appealing against this decision before the Administrative Tribunal.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Luxembourg: Sickness benefits down, contributions up

  In October 1999, a "quadripartite" meeting of those involved in Luxembourg's sickness insurance funds was unable to agree on ways of balancing the funds' deficits for 1999 and 2000. Thus, in November, the general meeting of the Union of Sickness Funds took the decision to reduce certain benefits and raise contribution rates. Trade unions have announced that they will be seeking to have the decision reversed.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Luxembourg: 1999 Annual Review for Luxembourg

  This record reviews 1999's main developments in industrial relations in Luxembourg

• 28 Dec 1999
  Netherlands: Jobs threatened at GAK social security

  It was announced in November 1999 that hundreds of jobs were in danger at the Dutch Joint Administration Office (GAK), which manages social security benefits, because the level of unemployment insurance and occupational disability benefits being paid out is decreasing as a result of the strengthening economy. Until recently, GAK was undergoing privatisation, but the government halted this process at the end of November. GAK is now to remain a publicly-owned company.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Netherlands: Increased work pressure does not lead to more sickness absence among highly qualified

  In November 1999, the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics reported that more people than before are working under increased time pressure, but other research indicates that increased work stress among highly-qualified people does not lead to higher levels of sickness absence. The majority of managers, a group known to work long hours, say they are happy with working weeks of between 45 and 50 hours.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Netherlands: Labour shortages and ageing population prompt review of early retirement

  In December 1999, employer and employee representatives in the Dutch Social and Economic Council advised the government to abolish the financial advantages for companies contained in existing early retirement provisions, and suggested a more flexible pre-pension system. The proposals follow various government initiatives to keep older employees working longer, and a recently submitted Act on age discrimination intended to promote their participation in the labour market. Tensions surrounding labour shortages and the costs of an ageing population are thus now focusing attention on the position of older workers, following recent initiatives to boost the labour market participation of mainly female benefit recipients with children and of migrants.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Netherlands: Social partners demand place in reorganised social security administration

  In November 1999, the Dutch government proposed calling a halt to the privatisation of social security and excluding the social partners from participating in its administration. The initiative unleashed harsh criticism from the social partners and outraged the trade union confederations. While unions announced plans for large-scale demonstrations, efforts to reach a compromise took place behind closed doors.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Netherlands: 1999 Annual Review for The Netherlands

  This record reviews 1999's main developments in industrial relations in The Netherlands

• 28 Dec 1999
  Norway: Contest begins for LO presidency

  In the spring of 2001, the position of president of the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) will be vacant, and the various factions within the organisation have already begun to position themselves in late 1999. LO's vice-president, whose background in in the public sector, strengthened her position when the leader of LO's bargaining cartel in the state sector surprisingly withdrew his candidature in November 1999. There are strong forces in operation trying to find an alternative candidate from the private sector unions.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Norway: Teachers dissatisfied with state Budget and school policy

  In November 1999, teachers at various schools in Norway took strike action in protest against the government's state Budget, and its proposed measures to improve the recruitment situation for teachers. The teachers' trade unions claimed that they were engaging in legal industrial action, while employers sought an end to what it regarded as illegal strikes.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Norway: Committee issues report on future of working life

  in December 1999, the government-appointed Working Life Committee delivered its report on the future challenges facing Norwegian working life. The committee's mandate was to examine the basis for a future evaluation of, and possible alterations to, the system of regulation, and to identify and analyse developments which have consequences for flexibility in working life.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Norway: New rules introduced on private employment services

  In December 1999, the Norwegian parliament approved new regulations on private employment agencies and the "leasing" of labour. The new provisions constitute a liberalisation of existing rules on the leasing of labour, while the general ban on private employment agencies is abolished.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Norway: Employee share ownership and stock options on the increase

  In 1999, the Norwegian company Orkla ASA decided to offer company shares at a 20% discount to its 18,850 employees. By the end of 1999, the scheme had turned out to be a success, and approximately 25% of workers in Norway had acquired shares. Several studies indicate that a large majority of Norwegian employees are positive about employee share-ownership.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Norway: 1999 Annual Review for NORWAY

  This record reviews 1999's main developments in industrial relations in NORWAY

• 28 Dec 1999
  Portugal: Conference examines social pacts

  In November 1999, a major conference examined social pacts and concertation in Portugal. The debate covered issues such as the importance to the social partners of being involved in the process, the use of pacts as a political tool, the low level of influence pacts have had in changing industrial relations, and their enormous potential to produce social and macroeconomic results.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Portugal: New issues on large-scale retail sector bargaining agenda

  In November 1999, the social partners in Portugal's large-scale retail enterprises sector met to discuss proposals for collective agreements for 2000. Items to be addressed include the reduction of working time, weekly rest periods, limits on "non-standard" employment levels, vocational training and equal opportunities

• 28 Dec 1999
  Portugal: CGTP holds ninth Congress

  Portugal's CGTP trade union confederation held its ninth congress in December 1999. The congress heralded change, in terms of both the issues it dealt with and the organisational changes agreed.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Portugal: Unions set out priorities for Portuguese EU Presidency

  With Portugal taking over the EU Presidency in January 2000, the Portuguese trade union confederations, CGTP and UGT, have issued a document setting out their joint position on the social issues that they believe should be addressed during the Presidency. These include European employment policy, the basic rights of European citizens, broadening the EU, external relations, protection of workers, social cohesion and social dialogue in general to meet the challenge of globalisation of the economy.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Portugal: European Works Councils and industrial relations in Portugal

  In December 1999, negotiations over the establishment of European Works Councils were getting under way in some Portuguese-based multinationals, a few months after the legislation transposing the relevant EU Directive into Portuguese law came in effect. The new law sticks closely to both the Directive' provisions and the Portuguese industrial relations system.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Portugal: 1999 Annual Review for PORTUGAL

  This record reviews 1999's main developments in industrial relations in PORTUGAL

• 28 Dec 1999
  Sweden: Ministry proposes new rules on unemployment insurance

  The Swedish Ministry for Industry, Employment and Communication has proposed increasing the maximum daily amount of unemployment benefit, while placing more pressure on unemployed people to be active in their job-seeking. These proposals, contained in a report published in November 1999, have received a mixed response from the social partners.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Sweden: Employers take builders' union to court over examination fee

  In November 1999, the Swedish Building Workers' Union was summonsed to appear in the Labour Court by the Swedish Construction Federation. The employers claim that the union is breach of the European Convention on Human Rights, in a long-running dispute over a so-called "examination fee" in the sector's collective agreement, whereby a deduction is made from employees' wages and paid to the union.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Sweden: New National Mediation Office to be established

  On 9 December 1999, the Swedish government presented a bill to parliament concerning a new National Mediation Office, possibly starting work from 1 June 2000. The purpose of the new National Mediation Office will be to mediate in labour conflicts and work towards satisfactory pay determination. The government is taking these measures after years of disputes and disagreement between the social partners.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Sweden: Seniority rules examined

  According to recent research on the effect of Sweden's legal and collective agreed seniority rules which apply in the event of redundancies due to a shortage of work, it is still older, less-skilled employees and women who tend to be given notice of redundancy, despite the provisions of the 1974 Act of Employment Protection. The researcher, Catharina Calleman - who defended her doctoral thesis on the issue in September 1999 - is rather pessimistic about the development of employment protection in Sweden.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Sweden: Telia management and unions welcome end of merger with Telenor

  On 16 December 1999, the merger between the state-owned telecommunications companies Telia (Sweden) and Telenor (Norway) ended after only two months. The Swedish reaction was relief from both management and trade unions at Telia.

• 28 Dec 1999
  Sweden: 1999 Annual Review for Sweden

  This record reviews 1999's main developments in industrial relations in Sweden

• 28 Dec 1999
  Sweden: New Ombudsman fights discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation

  Since May 1999, Sweden has had legislation in place forbidding discrimination in employment on grounds of sexual orientation, overseen by an Ombudsman. In the first six months of operation, 40 cases of alleged discrimination have been brought to the office of the first Ombudsman, Hans Ytterberg. Spreading information about the issue of discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation is another important task for the Ombudsman.

• 28 Dec 1999
  EU Countries: Privatisation and industrial relations

  Privatisation of formerly public sector organisations and services, and liberalisation of former monopoly markets, have been general trends across western Europe over the 1990s. This comparative study looks at the impact of such policies on industrial relations, examining areas such as employment levels and status, pay and conditions, bargaining arrangements, employer and employee representation, and industrial relations systems in general.

• 28 Dec 1999
  EU Countries: 1999 Annual Review Comparative Overview

• 28 Dec 1999
  EU Countries: Privatisation et relations industrielles

  La privatisation des entreprises et services qui relevaient au préalable du secteur public et la libéralisation des marchés antérieurement monopolistiques sont deux tendances qui se sont généralisées dans toute l'Europe occidentale au cours des années 90. Cette étude comparative porte sur l'incidence de telles orientations sur les relations industrielles en abordant des aspects tels que les niveaux et statuts d'emploi, les rémunérations et conditions de travail, les modalités de négociation, la représentation patronale et salariale et les systèmes de relations industrielles d'une manière générale.

• 28 Dec 1999
  EU Countries: Privatisierung und Arbeitsbeziehungen

  Die Privatisierung von Organisationen und Dienstleistungen, die früher zum öffentlichen Sektor gehörten, sowie die Liberalisierung früherer Monopolmärkte sind allgemeine Trends, die für Westeuropa in den neunziger Jahren charakteristisch waren. Die vorliegende Vergleichsstudie befaßt sich mit den Auswirkungen dieser Maßnahmen auf die Beziehung zwischen Arbeitgebern und Arbeitnehmern, indem sie Bereiche wie Beschäftigungsniveau und Stellung im Erwerbsleben, Entlohnung und Arbeitsbedingungen, Tarifvereinbarungen, Vertretung von Arbeitgebern und Arbeitnehmern sowie die Arbeitsbeziehungen im allgemeinen, näher beleuchtet.

• 28 Dec 1999
  United Kingdom: Manufacturing unions in merger talks

  It was confirmed during November 1999 that two major trade unions with substantial memberships in manufacturing are currently engaged in talks about a possible merger which would create the UK's second-largest union.

• 28 Dec 1999
  United Kingdom: Strike at BT highlights union concern over conditions in call centres

  In November 1999, a national one-day strike was held by British Telecommunications call centre staff in protest at their working conditions. The dispute coincides with expressions of concern over working practices in call centres more generally.

• 28 Dec 1999
  United Kingdom: UK introduces new rights to time off work for family and domestic reasons

  Regulations which came into force in December 1999 introduce new statutory parental leave entitlements for UK employees. We highlight the key points of the regulations, and of related legislative provisions governing time off work for family emergencies which were brought into effect at the same time.

• 28 Dec 1999
  United Kingdom: Employment Relations Act starts to take effect

  The Employment Relations Act 1999 completed its passage through parliament in the summer and its phased implementation is now underway, with important elements of the legislation being brought into force in October and December 1999. However, the Act's most contested provisions - concerning statutory trade union recognition - are not scheduled to take effect until after Easter 2000.

• 28 Dec 1999
  United Kingdom: 1999 Annual Review for the United Kingdom

  This record reviews 1999's main developments in industrial relations in the United Kingdom

• 28 Dec 1999
  EU Level: New anti-discrimination Directives proposed by Commission

  A new anti-discrimination package of proposals was issued by the European Commission on 25 November 1999. Based on Article 13 of the Amsterdam Treaty, the new proposals aim to help combat discrimination on a much wider range of grounds than existing EU legislation.