April 2000
- 28 Apr 2000
Austria: Chamber of the Economy elections held<#PDF_LINK>Elections took place in Austria's principal employers' association, the Chamber of the Economy, in late March 2000. The vote among 300,000 member firms brought no substantive change in the political composition of their representatives. The candidate likely to be elected as president in June 2000 is widely expected to take measures to reform the Chamber.
- 28 Apr 2000
Austria: Chambers of Labour under renewed discussion<#PDF_LINK>As Austria's Chamber of Labour held elections in spring 2000, a new debate about their finances and possible reforms was initiated by the populist Freedom Party, which forms part of the new coalition government. The Chambers' leadership now fears that their organisational rights might come under severe pressure at a time of substantive reform in the country's economic and social system.
- 28 Apr 2000
Belgium: Unions criticise lack of consultation on Lisbon summit<#PDF_LINK>Belgium's major trade union organisations have criticised the federal government for hardly consulting them on preparations for the extraordinary European Council meeting on employment issues in Lisbon on 23-24 March 2000. The trade unions state that they support the idea of an "active welfare state", seen as being at the heart of the emerging European social agenda, but that their support is not unconditional.
- 28 Apr 2000
Belgium: Bombardier announces intention to close Manage plant<#PDF_LINK>At the end of March 2000, the Canadian engineering group Bombardier announced its intention to close the Manage plant in Belgium, currently employing 400 workers. The decision comes at a time when order books are full and the company's financial figures are again positive. The Belgian government and the trade unions, shocked by a development that closely resembles the Renault Vilvoorde affair, hope that the decision is not irrevocable.
- 28 Apr 2000
Belgium: The National Labour Council in 1999: an overview<#PDF_LINK>The National Labour Council is the most important bipartite negotiation and consultation forum at national level in Belgium. This article reviews the Council's activities in 1999. Although in the past few years the Council may appear to have been just an institutionalised facility for negotiations, mostly producing relatively technical collective agreements, it is an institution with high national political relevance, keeping negotiating traditions alive in good and in bad times.
- 28 Apr 2000
Germany: Innovative industrial action succeeds at Foxboro Eckardt<#PDF_LINK>After the management of the Foxboro Eckardt technology company announced major workforce reductions at its Stuttgart site in Germany in January 2000, the works council organised successful resistance against these plans by using innovative forms of industrial action, such as demonstrations at the stock exchange and a "virtual demonstration" on the internet.
- 28 Apr 2000
Germany: German multinationals agree codes of conduct with unions<#PDF_LINK>In March 2000, two German-based multinationals - Faber-Castell (writing, drawing and painting products) and Hochtief (construction) - signed framework agreements on the worldwide observance of fundamental social standards with the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers and the relevant German trade unions.
- 28 Apr 2000
Germany: Strike over job losses at Deutsche Bahn averted - for now<#PDF_LINK>In March 2000, German Railways (Deutsche Bahn AG) announced plans for a massive reduction of jobs. The plan almost provoked a strike, but this was averted at the last moment by an agreement to cut costs without a further reduction of personnel. Nevertheless, it soon became obvious that the agreement has not solved the basic problems, but has only guaranteed social peace for the present.
- 28 Apr 2000
Germany: Ford EWC and management sign pioneering agreement on Visteon employees<#PDF_LINK>In January 2000, the management and European Works Council (EWC) at Ford signed an agreement regulating the conditions to apply to employees of Visteon, Ford's components operation, in the event of it becoming independent. This is thought to be the first time that an EWC has been accepted by the management of a multinational company as a bargaining partner in this way.
- 28 Apr 2000
Germany: Agreements in chemicals and metalworking shape 2000 bargaining round<#PDF_LINK>In March 2000, the collective bargaining parties in Germany's chemicals and metalworking sectors concluded new collective agreements on pay increases and partial retirement. Both agreements received very positive reactions and were widely regarded as a success for the national Alliance for Jobs.
- 28 Apr 2000
Germany: DGB greets Lisbon summit targets<#PDF_LINK>Prior to the extraordinary European Council summit on employment, economic reform and social cohesion, held in Lisbon in March 2000, Germany's DGB trade union confederation published a statement agreeing with the overall line of the Council's proposed decisions. While DGB merely sought some amendments to the targets to be set by the summit, the chair of the BDA employers' confederation rejected the idea of quantitative EU targets as instruments of an overly centralised economic policy. Meanwhile, in the run-up to the Lisbon Council, DGB had already presented a set of proposals for German employment policy in 2000.
- 28 Apr 2000
Germany: Working times in service sector differ considerably<#PDF_LINK>In March 2000, the five German trade unions which are to unite to form a new Unified Service Sector Union held a conference on working time. In connection with the event, the WSI Collective Agreement Archive evaluated collective agreements in the 10 most important service sectors with regard to their regulations concerning working time. The survey shows that collectively agreed working times differ considerably.
- 28 Apr 2000
Denmark: New public sector pay systems lead to individualised strikes<#PDF_LINK>In April 2000, four highly-qualified employees of Denmark's National Working Environment Authority had been on strike for three months in a dispute over pay supplements. Since the introduction of a new public sector pay system in 1998, there have been scattered strikes across the country due to disputes concerning the amount and duration of special allowances under the new system. Unusually, the strikes have lasted for up to six months and been confined to groups of two to four people, and even individuals, as a consequence of the individualised pay negotiations introduced by the new system.
- 28 Apr 2000
Denmark: Members fail to take active part in union work<#PDF_LINK>A survey of some 2,000 Danish trade union members conducted in early 2000 indicates that members are satisfied with the unions, but take little part in practical union work. The concerns expressed in connection with a major membership study in 1992, when many feared that the trade union movement faced serious problems ahead, seem to have been overcome, with new figures showing a slight increase in members' satisfaction with their trade union. The trade union movement's strong emphasis on services has thus turned out to be a two-edged sword. The members tend to see their trade union as a "service shop" and they like it.
- 28 Apr 2000
Denmark: Unions and employers' organisations both recommend a Danish yes to EMU<#PDF_LINK>In March 2000, the Danish government fixed the date of the referendum concerning Denmark's participation in the third phase of EU Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). The referendum will be held on 28 September 2000, which is earlier than expected. Most social partner organisations - with the DA employers' confederation and LO trade union confederation in the forefront - are, like the government, recommending a "yes" vote. However, since the referendum date was fixed, opinion polls indicate that previously high levels of support for EMU are waning and a close contest is in prospect.
- 28 Apr 2000
Spain: First steps towards consensus on new labour reform<#PDF_LINK>Immediately after Spain's general election on 12 March 2000, in which the ruling conservative People's Party obtained an absolute majority, the Prime Minister held a first round of consultations with the social partners, seeking consensus on a new round of labour reform.
- 28 Apr 2000
Spain: The new Law on Foreign Persons: a difficult but necessary beginning<#PDF_LINK>On 1 February 2000, the new "Law on the Rights and Freedoms of Foreigners in Spain and their Social Integration", better known as the Law on Foreign Persons, came into force. The one-off process that will legalise the situation of thousands of immigrants without proper documentation began on 21 March. Meanwhile, the People's Party, which unexpectedly voted against the law, is already preparing a new reform after obtaining an absolute majority in the March general elections.
- 28 Apr 2000
Spain: First strike by immigrants follows racist riots in El Ejido<#PDF_LINK>At the beginning of February 2000, El Ejido, a small Andalusian town, was the scene of the most violent outbreak of racism in the recent history of Spain. The immigrants living in this town, mostly illegal workers, responded with an indefinite strike to claim the right to be rehoused, to receive compensation and to legalise their situation.
- 28 Apr 2000
Spain: Telefónica stock options controversy<#PDF_LINK>A major controversy broke out in Spain in late 1999, when it emerged that 100 executives of the Telefónica telecoms company will immediately receive ESP 72 billion under a stock options programme approved in February 1997. The shareholders' meeting of the company held in April 2000 confirmed that these stock options will be given to the executives immediately and launched a new programme that will distribute approximately ESP 420 billion among the company's 90,000 permanent workers in four years' time.
- 28 Apr 2000
Spain: Wage discrimination against women and temporary workers<#PDF_LINK>A study published in early 2000 reveals the extent to which women and temporary workers in Spain are paid less, for equal work, than men and workers on open-ended contracts
- 28 Apr 2000
Spain: Strike over accidents and subcontracting in construction sector<#PDF_LINK>On 24- 25 February 2000, Spanish construction workers' trade unions held a general strike in the sector, in protest against the level of industrial accidents. The unions believe that the accidents are due largely to precarious employment and uncontrolled subcontracting of work.
- 28 Apr 2000
EU Level: Civil aviation social partners conclude working time accord<#PDF_LINK>An agreement on the organisation of working time was concluded on 22 March 2000 between the European-level social partners in civil aviation, within the framework of the sector's social dialogue. The deal, which adapts the principles of the EU working time Directive to this sector, should be given legal effect by a Council decision.
- 28 Apr 2000
EU Level: Railway workers' unions stage day of protest<#PDF_LINK>European railway workers' trade unions, coordinated by the European Transport Workers' Federation, participated in a day of protest on 29 March 2000. The aim of the protest was to criticise EU plans to introduce a "European rail freight network" which, according to the unions, could lead to "social dumping" and lower safety standards. The day of action also promoted the railways infrastructure as an environmentally-friendly and safe mode of transport.
- 28 Apr 2000
EU Level: Council and Parliament reach conciliation agreement on working time Directive extension<#PDF_LINK>A text extending the EU working time Directive to previously excluded sectors and activities was agreed on 3 April 2000 by the Conciliation Committee set up to find a compromise between the positions of the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament. This is the first major social policy issue to be decided using this procedure.
- 28 Apr 2000
EU Level: Lisbon Council agrees employment targets<#PDF_LINK>An extraordinary European Council was held in Lisbon on 23–24 March 2000 in order to discuss how to harness the power of the emerging "knowledge economy" in order to create employment growth. The conclusions of this Council focus on a 10-year strategy for the European economy, including a framework for concrete targets in employment and training. It was also agreed that from now on, special European Councils will held each spring in order to debate economic and social issues.
- 28 Apr 2000
EU Level: Progress on EU Charter of fundamental rights<#PDF_LINK>Work on drawing up a Charter of fundamental rights of the European Union is continuing with a view to submitting a first draft to the European Council to be held in Santa Maria da Feira in June 2000. Meanwhile, the question of the status of the Charter has come to the fore, with the European Parliament overwhelmingly supporting a motion in favour of a legally-binding Charter written into the Treaty and non-governmental organisations launching a campaign to the same end.
- 28 Apr 2000
Finland: Strikes break out as bargaining round nears conclusion<#PDF_LINK>The final agreements in Finland's sectoral collective bargaining round in spring 2000 were hastened by a number of strikes. The first significant industrial action took place in March in the chemicals industry, where an agreement was achieved after a week-long strike. This was followed by a major nationwide five-day strike in the transport sector, with the scope of the dispute widened by a lock-out by employers, leading to an agreement on 3 April. Finally, a deal for the paper sector was reached on 19 April, after a nationwide strike lasting over a week.
- 28 Apr 2000
Finland: Paper workers on strike<#PDF_LINK>On 11 April 2000, the Finnish Paper Workers' Union launched the first nationwide strike in its history, covering all 30,000 members in the paper sector, which has a key role in Finland's exports. Negotiations over a new sectoral agreement had broken down due to disagreement concerning working time, security in the event of lay-offs, bonus systems, subcontracting and wages.
- 28 Apr 2000
Finland: Dispute over outsourcing of postal services<#PDF_LINK>In April 2000, the Finnish postal service, Finland Post, decided to close some of its branches and transfer their activities to subcontractors, with the loss of 1,500 jobs. Trade unions have opposed the plan by organising a one-day strike and by contacting politicians, though without being able to prevent the closures.
- 28 Apr 2000
Finland: New agreement follows strike in paper sector<#PDF_LINK>Finland's nationwide paper workers' strike ended after more than a week on 19 April 2000, with the conclusion of a new collective agreement for the sector. The agreement is valid for three years, and the cost effect of the wage increase for the first year is under 4%. Wage increases for the second and third years were left open for subsequent agreement. Settlements were also achieved for sectoral problems concerning working time, security during lay-offs, use of outside labour, and the award of result- and profit-related bonuses.
- 28 Apr 2000
France: Successful national strike held in state education<#PDF_LINK>Following earlier industrial action held in the south of France, five trade unions called a well-supported strike in the state education sector on 16 March 2000, enabling criticism of the reform policies and person of the Minister for Education, Claude Allègre, to be channelled into one movement. The Prime Minister responded with a number of concessions.
- 28 Apr 2000
France: Negotiations open on unemployment insurance<#PDF_LINK>In March 2000, France's social partners started renegotiating the agreement on which the UNEDIC unemployment insurance scheme is based, with the talks due to conclude by the end of June. The negotiations form part of the process of discussions on overhauling French industrial relations launched by the MEDEF employers' confederation's "new social constitution" project.
- 28 Apr 2000
France: New measures to deal with increasing racism<#PDF_LINK>In March 2000, the latest report by the National Consultative Committee on Human Rights revealed a rise in racist attitudes and anti-immigrant feeling in France. The Prime Minister responded by announcing legislative changes to toughen up the fight against racial discrimination, some of which relate to employment.
- 28 Apr 2000
France: Six out of eight unions sign agreement for state-owned hospitals<#PDF_LINK>On 14 March 2000, six trade unions, (CFDT, CFE-CGC, CFTC, CGT-FO, UNSA and SNCH) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry for Employment and Solidarity, which provides for extra funding of FRF 10 billion for France's state-owned hospitals over three years, of which FRF 3.8 billion in 2000. Two unions, CGT and SUD-CRC, refused to sign the agreement, which they described as "inadequate".
- 28 Apr 2000
France: Ministry of Finance reform shelved<#PDF_LINK>On 20 March 2000, the French Minister of Finance, Christian Sautter, announced in a press release that the planned reform of the Ministry that he had unveiled in January was to be shelved. Upon leaving his post one week later, the former Minister spoke out against the "conservative" attitude of Ministry of Finance trade unions, which in his opinion, had caused the reform to founder. This explanation is regarded by some commentators as simple but insufficient.
- 28 Apr 2000
France: Prime Minister announces blueprint for pensions reform<#PDF_LINK>On 21 March 2000, Lionel Jospin, the French Prime Minister, made a long-awaited and much postponed announcement on pensions reform. After two years punctuated by several contradictory official reports, each of which diagnosed the problem and put forward recommendations, Mr Jospin announced the blueprint for this reform as teachers demonstrated and Finance Ministry civil servants pursued industrial action. The main and most controversial option relates to the scheme for civil servants working for central government, local authorities and in the health service. The plan is to raise the qualification period for retirement on a full pension to 40 years (rather than the present 37.5). Several civil service unions have demonstrated their hostility to the extension of the qualification period. The MEDEF employers' confederation, on the other hand, has criticised the entire plan, deeming it completely inappropriate to the issues of the future.
- 28 Apr 2000
Greece: Court abolishes ceiling on lump-sum payments for retiring bank employees<#PDF_LINK>In March 2000, the Athens Administrative Court of Appeal ruled unconstitutional a legislative provision which sets a ceiling on the lump-sum benefit paid to retiring employees covered by special insurance funds in the Greek banking sector. The ruling is regarded as a victory for the OTOE bank employees' union.
- 28 Apr 2000
Greece: SEV makes economic policy proposals<#PDF_LINK>In the run-up to Greece's general elections in April 2000, the Federation of Greek Industries (SEV) drew up a set of proposals on economic policy priorities - including tackling unemployment and reforming social security - which were sent in a memorandum to the Prime Minister, the leader of the main opposition party and the leaders of the other political parties.
- 28 Apr 2000
Ireland: Conflict increases in the public sector<#PDF_LINK>In 1999 and early 2000, there has been an increase in industrial conflict in the Irish public sector. This conflict is linked to the fact that worker expectations have increased in the context of a "booming economy. The uncertainty surrounding the commercialisation and deregulation of parts of the public sector is also fuelling conflict. As a result of these tensions, Ireland's new national agreement, the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness (PPF) is likely to come under mounting pressure in the coming months. "
- 28 Apr 2000
Ireland: Labour Court chair calls for review of industrial relations<#PDF_LINK>In February 2000, the chair of the Labour Court called for a complete review of Irish industrial relations and criticised politicians, trade unionists, senior civil servants and business leaders for undermining the role of the Court on occasions.
- 28 Apr 2000
Ireland: Electricity company faces major pay claim and job cuts<#PDF_LINK>In early 2000, Ireland's state-owned electricity company, the Electricity Supply Board (ESB), faces a 16.5% pay claim over and above the terms of the new national pay agreement - the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness - as management and trade unions prepare to negotiate a new round of major change and 2,000 voluntary job cuts.
- 28 Apr 2000
Italy: Italy's first ESOP agreement signed at Gucci<#PDF_LINK>In February 2000, trade unions and the Gucci group, one of Italy's largest fashion companies, signed Italy's first Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP) agreement.
- 28 Apr 2000
Italy: Cgil, Cisl and Uil decide to participate in the workers' jubilee<#PDF_LINK>The three major Italian trade union confederations, Cgil, Cisl and Uil, have all decided to take part in the Catholic Church's "workers' jubilee day", which will take place on 1 May 2000 in Rome. This will be the unions' first important unitary initiative after months of divisions and conflicts among the confederations.
- 28 Apr 2000
Italy: General Motors and Fiat SpA form alliance<#PDF_LINK>In March 2000, the Italian automobile company, Fiat SpA, signed an agreement with the US-based General Motors, the world's largest car producer, which provides for an exchange of shares between the two companies and the creation of two joint ventures for the purchase and production of engines and gear equipment. This move - broadly welcomed by trade unions and other parties in Italy - suggests that the Italian model of "family-based capitalism" is moving towards a more "Anglo-Saxon" model (with a wider spread of shareholding and management power), in order to face up to the dangers and opportunities of globalisation.
- 28 Apr 2000
Italy: Parliament approves reform of law on strikes in essential public services<#PDF_LINK>At the beginning of April 2000, the Italian parliament approved a reform of law 146/1990, which regulates the right to strike in essential public services and defines the role of the Guarantee Authority which oversees application of the law. The reform has introduced important changes as regards the law's scope of application, which now includes certain small business owners and self-employed workers, the functions of the Guarantee Authority, and the system of sanctions.
- 28 Apr 2000
Italy: Collective agreement signed in textiles sector<#PDF_LINK>A new collective agreement for the Italian textiles sector was signed on 26 March 2000. The most innovative aspects of the agreement concern working time: besides the introduction of an "hours bank" and an increase in the use of part-time work (to a maximum of 8% of the workforce), the agreement allows firms to use flexible working hours in unforeseen circumstances.
- 28 Apr 2000
Luxembourg: Court awards union nominal damages of one franc<#PDF_LINK>In March 2000, the District Court ordered the Luxembourg government to pay nominal damages of one franc to the CGFP civil servants' trade union for misleading it in 1990 when an agreement guaranteeing the integrity of the civil service pension scheme was signed.
- 28 Apr 2000
Luxembourg: Luxembourg trade unions respond to Deutsche Bank/Dresdner Bank merger<#PDF_LINK>The forthcoming merger between Deutsche Bank and Dresdner Bank prompted fierce responses from Luxembourg trade unions in early 2000. They have called for meetings with representatives of the banks' local management.
- 28 Apr 2000
Luxembourg: Upturn in the labour market<#PDF_LINK>Figures published in March by the Employment Administration point to an upturn in the Luxembourg labour market during 1999, and show that the unemployment rate has fallen to 2.9%.
- 28 Apr 2000
Luxembourg: ILO committee calls on government to review criteria for nationally representative status<#PDF_LINK>An opinion delivered in March 2000 by the International Labour Office's Committee on Freedom of Association, in connection with a complaint by the ALEBA bank workers' trade union, calls on the Luxembourg government to review the criteria for establishing unions' "nationally representative" status, on the grounds that they breach the principles of freedom of association.
- 28 Apr 2000
Netherlands: RSI threatens to become leading work-related illness<#PDF_LINK>Repetitive strain injury (RSI) seems to be affecting increasing numbers of Dutch employees. Research indicates that in 1999 nearly 30% of the workforce experienced RSI complaints. In 1998, the Dutch Trade Union Federation (FNV) made the illness the subject of an information campaign and secondary preventative measures.
- 28 Apr 2000
Netherlands: Employment for asylum-seekers and people from ethnic minorities under debate<#PDF_LINK>The issues of employment for asylum-seekers and people from ethnic minorities are under discussion in the Netherlands in early 2000. Although research indicates that many employers are failing to comply with legislation aimed at stimulating ethnic minority participation in the labour market, a number of them are seeking increased employment opportunities for asylum-seekers. The FNV trade union confederation and the Central Body for Asylum-Seekers Relief (COA) support efforts to expand employment for asylum-seekers.
- 28 Apr 2000
Netherlands: Mergers, takeovers and employee participation<#PDF_LINK>Dutch legislation governing employee participation during mergers and takeovers is under pressure in 2000. Far-reaching internationalisation has certainly contributed, but new legislation, especially concerning hostile takeovers, has also served to tighten the screws. We examine the powers of the works council and trade unions, with specific reference to new legislation.
- 28 Apr 2000
Netherlands: Supreme Court imposes limits on employee participation and right to strike<#PDF_LINK>In two judgments in early 2000, the Dutch Supreme Court imposed a degree of restriction on the practice of employee participation. Government sector works councils do not enjoy the right of participation in reaching political decisions and, in general, works councils possess no authority if primary terms and conditions of employment are at stake. According to a third judgment, the right to strike is limited to cases in which it is used as a final measure.
- 28 Apr 2000
Norway: Proposed new three-year private sector agreement will increase annual leave<#PDF_LINK>On 1 April 2000, the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions and the Confederation of Norwegian Business and Industry agreed on a proposal for a new basic agreement applicable to large parts of the Norwegian private sector. The proposed three-year agreement includes a general wage increase of NOK 0.75 per hour in 2000, as well as a gradual implementation of a fifth week of annual leave.
- 28 Apr 2000
Norway: Co-determination at Nordic level in finance examined<#PDF_LINK>The development of transnational financial corporations is a relatively recent phenomenon within the Nordic countries. A report published in April 2000 by the Norwegian research institute, Fafo, investigates the effects of "transnationalisation" in the finance sector on employees' rights to co-determination, and how employee organisations and representatives have dealt with these developments.
- 28 Apr 2000
Norway: Strike hits private sector<#PDF_LINK>Some 80,000 members of the LO trade union confederation went on strike in the Norwegian private sector on 3 May 2000, after LO members rejected the proposal for a new collective agreement drawn up by LO and the NHO employers' confederation. The strike involves a wide range of sectors.
- 28 Apr 2000
Portugal: Negotiations and strikes in Lisbon public transport<#PDF_LINK>The early months of 2000 have seen coordinated or alternating strikes in the various public transport companies in Lisbon, sparked by disagreements over wage increases and the introduction of a 35-hour working week.
- 28 Apr 2000
Portugal: Workers' commissions step up activity in restructured companies<#PDF_LINK>Statistics indicate that the number of sub-commissions set up by workers' commissions in Portugal increased appreciably during 1999. Commentators believe that this may reflect attempts by workers' representatives in restructured companies to make their presence felt more strongly in the workplace.
- 28 Apr 2000
Portugal: New equal opportunities initiatives emerge from social dialogue<#PDF_LINK>Since 1998, the issue of equal opportunities for women and men has played a growing part in the social dialogue and the activities of the social partners in Portugal. Here we examine a number of recent initiatives arising from the National Action Plan for employment - an observatory on equal opportunities in collective bargaining and an equality award for companies - and funded through EU programmes - projects on the integration of equal opportunities in the social dialogue and on the female labour market.
- 28 Apr 2000
Portugal: Difficult negotiations over civil service pay<#PDF_LINK>Pay negotiations in Portugal's civil service have proved very difficult in spring 2000, with the trade unions refusing to agree on a final offer made by the government, and seeking a reopening of talks in the light of a potential increase in the projected inflation rate. The unions have called joint strike action for May.
- 28 Apr 2000
Sweden: Parliament approves ban on industrial action against small companies<#PDF_LINK>In March 2000, the Swedish parliament defeated the minority Social Democrat government and introduced a ban on industrial action against sole traders and family companies with no employees other than family members into a government bill on mediation and wage formation.
- 28 Apr 2000
Sweden: New Equal Opportunities Ombudsman appointed<#PDF_LINK>In March 2000, the Swedish government appointed a new Equal Opportunities Ombudsman, Claes Borgström. Mr Borgström, a barrister, is the first man to hold the post.
- 28 Apr 2000
Sweden: Governmental group sceptical over compulsory working time cuts<#PDF_LINK>On 23 March 2000, a working group established by the Swedish government presented its report, which will serve as a basis for forthcoming discussions over possible working time reductions, either by law or through collective agreements. The working group clearly rejects compulsory legislation to cut working time.
- 28 Apr 2000
Sweden: Can employers and employees agree to deviate from collective agreed provisions?<#PDF_LINK>In March 2000, the Swedish Labour Court issued its ruling in a case centring on the validity or otherwise of an agreement between workers and their employer to deviate from the terms of a sectoral collective agreement (in this case, rules on payment for weekend working). The Court ruled that such agreements are invalid.
- 28 Apr 2000
United Kingdom: Substantial job losses predicted as BMW sells Rover and Land Rover<#PDF_LINK>In March 2000, German motor manufacturing companyBMWannounced the break-up and sale of its loss-making UK subsidiary, formerly theRover Group. Heavy job losses are expected among Rover employees and the wider supply base within theWest Midlandsregion of the country. This feature reviews the background to BMW's decision, and the reaction of the UK government and trade unions.
- 28 Apr 2000
United Kingdom: Government's pro-business credentials under attack<#PDF_LINK>The UK Labour government has again been facing strong criticism from employers' groups over increasing business regulation, particularly in the area of employment legislation. In a speech to the British Chambers of Commerce conference in early April 2000, the trade and industry secretary sought to allay employers' concerns about "red tape".
- 28 Apr 2000
United Kingdom: Union group formed to campaign for euro entry<#PDF_LINK>In March 2000, a group of UK trade unions joined forces to launch a campaign to boost support for the UK joining the European single currency. The unions believe that emphasising the EU social dimension is crucial in persuading UK workers to vote for euro entry in a referendum.
- 28 Apr 2000
United Kingdom: Union challenges UK redundancy consultation law<#PDF_LINK>A complaint submitted to the European Commission in March 2000 by the UK trade union MSF raises new questions over the adequacy of UK's implementation of the EU collective redundancies Directive.
- 28 Apr 2000
United Kingdom: Industrial relations at British Airways - setting a new course?<#PDF_LINK>On 10 March 2000, British Airways announced the resignation of Bob Ayling, the company's chief executive. His departure comes at a time of considerable industrial relations uncertainty: the company recently announced a renewal of its cost-cutting programme involving around 6,000 redundancies, but simultaneously appears to be exploring the possibility of "partnership" arrangements with the trade unions. This feature examines the recent history of industrial relations at British Airways and their possible future direction.
- 28 Apr 2000
United Kingdom: Uncertainty over future of Rover continues<#PDF_LINK>Controversy over the break-up and sale of BMW's UK subsidiary, Rover, has dominated newspaper headlines over the weeks since it was announced on 16 March 2000. We highlight recent developments.
- 28 Apr 2000
United Kingdom: National Minimum Wage: the story so far<#PDF_LINK>In February 2000, the Low Pay Commission published its second report, assessing the impact of the UK's National Minimum Wage (NMW) nearly one year after its introduction. Based on a number of different research projects, it found that the NMW had delivered significant benefits for large numbers of low-paid employees. Yet the impact on employers, the report asserts, was largely "minimum wage, minimum fuss".