December 2000
- 28 Dec 2000
Austria: 2000 Annual Review for Austria<#PDF_LINK>This record reviews 2000's main developments in industrial relations in Austria.
- 28 Dec 2000
Austria: First collective agreement for information technology sector<#PDF_LINK>October 2000 saw the conclusion of the first specific collective agreement for Austria's information technology sector, dealing with working time flexibility. The agreement is seen as a major step towards the regulation of employment conditions in the "new economy".
- 28 Dec 2000
Austria: The labour and social policy of the Federation of Austrian Industry<#PDF_LINK>In late 2000, the Federation of Austrian Industry (VÖI) attracted attention through its far-reaching demands in the current debate about changes in Austria's social welfare system. This feature examines VÖI's internal structure, social and labour policy and perception of social partnership.
- 28 Dec 2000
Belgium: Protection of union representatives under debate<#PDF_LINK>In late 2000, in the context of a number of industrial conflicts, Belgian trade unions have drawn the attention of public and political opinion to what they see as a proliferation of "attacks" on trade union freedoms - through the dismissal of union delegates and court interference in disputes. Unions are demanding improvements in the protection of their representatives within companies, while political initiatives are in progress.
- 28 Dec 2000
Belgium: Major public transport strike hits Wallonia<#PDF_LINK>In September-October 2000, a major strike occurred in public bus transport companies in Belgium's Wallonia region. The strike lasted more than 30 days before the negotiators reached a agreement. The dispute was resolved when the regional government provided more funds to finance pay increases.
- 28 Dec 2000
Belgium: 2000 Annual Review for Belgium<#PDF_LINK>This record reviews 2000's main developments in industrial relations in Belgium.
- 28 Dec 2000
Germany: 2000 Annual Review for Germany<#PDF_LINK>This record reviews 2000's main developments in industrial relations in Germany.
- 28 Dec 2000
Germany: DAG, DPG and HBV delegates support foundation of unified service sector union<#PDF_LINK>In November 2000, three of the five German trade unions - DAG, DPG and HBV - seeking to found a Unified Service Sector Union (Ver.di) held extraordinary congresses, at which a great majority of delegates approved the merger. As the IG Medien media union had already voted in favour in September, it is now up to the Public Services, Transport and Traffic Union (ÖTV) to decide whether the merger will take place in March 2001.
- 28 Dec 2000
Germany: HBV opt-out prompts trade union debate on national Alliance for Jobs<#PDF_LINK>At an extraordinary congress held in November 2000, the HBV commerce, banking and insurance workers' trade union decided to opt out of Germany's national tripartite Alliance for Jobs. Following the IG Medien media union, HBV was the second affiliate of the DGB confederation to take this step. However, the three largest DGB affiliates - the metalworkers' IG Metall, the chemical workers' IG BCE and the public sector workers' ÖTV - declared that they will continue to work within the Alliance.
- 28 Dec 2000
Germany: New agreement clarifies organisational responsibilities between DGB affiliates<#PDF_LINK>In November 2000, the German Federation of Trade Unions (DGB) and the German White-Collar Union (DAG) reached an agreement on guidelines for cooperation between DGB-affiliated unions after the forthcoming establishment of a new Unified Service Sector Union (Ver.di) and the consequent integration of DAG into DGB. The deal seeks to clarify the responsibility for organising particular sectors and companies between DGB affiliates, in particular in "new" sectors such as telecommunications, information technology and media and culture.
- 28 Dec 2000
Germany: Equality group seeks to include women's interests in national Alliance for Jobs<#PDF_LINK>In early 2000, the Hans Böckler Foundation launched a new women's forum, the "Equality Group", with the aim of promoting the inclusion of women's interests in Germany's national tripartite "Alliance for Jobs, Training and Competitiveness". The background is that the great majority of participants in Alliance meetings are men and that women's interests or gender aspects are seen as having have been ignored in the documents published to date. With more than 200 women working in eight working groups on different topics by December 2000, the Equality Group may be able to raise awareness of women's interests. The question of whether this will influence the policies of the Alliance for Jobs remains open.
- 28 Dec 2000
Denmark: Negotiations on flexi-jobs and early retirement deadlocked<#PDF_LINK>Negotiations in Denmark over a new early retirement scheme and special "flexi-jobs" for people with a reduced capacity to work were postponed in late 2000 due to disagreement between the parties. The LO trade union confederation wants people in "flexi-jobs" to be able to join unemployment insurance funds and thus have rights to unemployment benefits and early retirement pay, while the DA employers' confederation is strongly opposed to this idea. With the social partners unwilling to compromise on this point, the government may bypass them in introducing a reform.
- 28 Dec 2000
Denmark: Legislation to make gender wage differences more visible<#PDF_LINK>In December 2000, preparatory work began on new Danish legislation to oblige employers to provide trade unions with wage data so that they will be better equipped to analyse gender pay differences and draw up action plans for equal pay. The government decided to act after a joint committee set up by the social partners failed to come up with any proposals in this area.
- 28 Dec 2000
Denmark: Compromise over anticipatory pension scheme reform<#PDF_LINK>After many preparations and tough political negotiations in the final phase, a reform of Denmark's "anticipatory pension" early retirement scheme for people with disabilities was finally adopted in December 2000. The Minister of Social Affairs had to give up his plan to allow people in state-subsidised "flexi-jobs" (for those with a reduced capacity to work) to join unemployment insurance funds. This was agains the wishes of the LO trade union confederation but the DA employers' confederation is very satisfied with the new reform, which in other ways means a simplification of the system. In a broader perspective, the reform represents a weakening of the role of the social partners in formulating policy in this area.
- 28 Dec 2000
Denmark: Childcare workers' unions plan merger<#PDF_LINK>At its congress in December 2000, the Danish Federation of Early Childhood Teachers and Youth Educators (BUPL) considered a possible merger with the National Union of Nursery and Childcare Assistants (PMF) to create a single trade union for childcare workers, which would be the sixth-largest union in Denmark. The two unions currently belong to different confederations - LO in the case of BUPL and FTF in the case of PMF - and a merged union would have to decide between the two. If it were to choose LO, this might have negative consequence for FTF, which groups salaried employees' unions, if other major unions followed BUPL's example. However, the merger will be faced by opposition within BUPL.
- 28 Dec 2000
Denmark: 2000 Annual Review for Denmark<#PDF_LINK>This record reviews 2000's main developments in industrial relations in Denmark.
- 28 Dec 2000
Spain: Parliament fails to debate draft law on subcontracting in construction<#PDF_LINK>In November 2000, Spain's ruling People's Party prevented a parliamentary debate on a draft law on subcontracting in the construction sector, promoted by the trade unions. This draft law is aimed at reducing industrial accidents in construction by placing limits on successive subcontracting. The unions have responded by announcing mobilisations in the coming months.
- 28 Dec 2000
Spain: New reform of Law on Foreign Persons<#PDF_LINK>In November 2000, the lower house of the Spanish parliament approved a reform of the recent Law on Foreign Persons. The conservative People's Party government introduced the reform to tighten up some aspects of the law that it considers to be too permissive and as attracting immigrants to Spain. Left-wing political parties and the trade unions oppose the reform measures.
- 28 Dec 2000
Spain: Cost of dismissal under debate<#PDF_LINK>In late 2000, negotiations over a possible new pact on labour market reform have brought to the fore one of the traditional demands of Spanish employers: cheaper dismissal. Employers' leaders argue that the high cost of dismissal in Spain is an obstacle to recruitment, while trade unions and other critics question whether the cost is really that high.
- 28 Dec 2000
Spain: 2000 Annual Review for Spain<#PDF_LINK>This record reviews 2000's main developments in industrial relations in Spain.
- 28 Dec 2000
EU Level: Social dialogue launched in PVC industry<#PDF_LINK>The European-level social partners in the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) industry decided in October 2000 to create a forum for social dialogue. The forum will discuss the industry's development, health and safety, environmental issues, training, EU enlargement and European Works Councils.
- 28 Dec 2000
EU Level: Parliament endorses draft Charter, employment package and social policy agenda<#PDF_LINK>On 14 November 2000, the European Parliament voted to approve the draft EU Charter of fundamental rights and instructed its President to proclaim the Charter together with the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission at the European Council meeting in Nice in December. In separate votes on 24 and 25 October, Parliament also endorsed the Commission's "employment package" and its five-year social policy agenda.
- 28 Dec 2000
EU Level: No agreement yet in negotiations on EU consultation Directive<#PDF_LINK>Despite intensive discussion of the draft Directive on national information and consultation rules under the French EU Presidency, the Employment and Social Policy Council meeting of 27-28 November 2000 did not reach agreement on the proposal, though significant progress towards its eventual adoption appears to have been made.
- 28 Dec 2000
EU Level: ETUC adopts resolution on tackling child labour in Europe<#PDF_LINK>In October 2000, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) adopted a resolution on the issue of child labour in Europe. It highlights the causes and forms of child labour in Europe and outlines a number of strategies for action. In particular, the resolution recommends the negotiation of a ban on child labour in Europe between ETUC and the Union of Industrial and Employers' Confederations of Europe (UNICE).
- 28 Dec 2000
EU Level: Council debates participation proposals<#PDF_LINK>A wide range of social issues was discussed at the EU Employment and Social Policy Council held on 27–28 November 2000. However, although a discussion was held on the proposed Directives on worker involvement in the European Company Statute and on national-level information and consultation of workers, no formal agreement was reached on either.
- 28 Dec 2000
EU Level: Nice summit agrees new Treaty and reaches consensus on worker involvement in European Company Statute<#PDF_LINK>A European Council meeting was held under the French Presidency in Nice on 7-9 December 2000. The summit reached agreement on a new Treaty, and also achieved a consensus on the long-standing proposals for worker involvement in the European Company Statute.
- 28 Dec 2000
EU Level: 2000 Annual Review for the European Union level<#PDF_LINK>This record reviews 2000's main developments in industrial relations at the European Union level.
- 28 Dec 2000
Finland: IAU fined following airport strike<#PDF_LINK>In November 2000, an arbitration tribunal ordered the Finnish Air Transport Union (IAU) to pay a fine of FIM 25,000 in respect of a protest strike organised by the union. According to the judgment, the union breached its peace obligation. According to IAU, the strike was a protest expressing concern about airport safety and the personnel policy of the Finnair airline.
- 28 Dec 2000
Finland: Incomes policy agreement signed<#PDF_LINK>Finland's new comprehensive incomes policy agreement was signed formally on 15 December 2000. The two-year wage agreement will mean an increase in labour costs of 3.1% in 2001 and 2.3% in 2002. The agreement covers about 2 million wage earners, or some 90% of Finnish employees.
- 28 Dec 2000
Finland: 2000 Annual Review for Finland<#PDF_LINK>This record reviews 2000's main developments in industrial relations in Finland.
- 28 Dec 2000
France: Civil service pay talks open<#PDF_LINK>Pay negotiations opened in the French civil service in late November 2000. The seven civil service trade unions have rejected the government's proposed 0.5% salary increase for 2000 (the last pay agreement expired in 1999). The outcome of these negotiations is currently uncertain.
- 28 Dec 2000
France: MEDEF announces pull-out from National Association of Social Security Funds<#PDF_LINK>In November 2000, France's MEDEF employers' confederation announced that it was pulling out of the administrative board of the National Association of Social Security Funds (UCANSS), which it chairs. UCANSS manages the 176,000 staff of the various social security funds. The trade unions have condemned MEDEF's action.
- 28 Dec 2000
France: Workplace elections at EDF and GDF<#PDF_LINK>In November 2000, workplace elections of employee representatives were held in France's state-run electricity and gas companies, EDF and GDF. The results show little change compared with 1997, with CGT remaining the majority trade union, with over twice the support of its nearest rival, CFDT.
- 28 Dec 2000
France: Shift in employment policy proposed<#PDF_LINK>In December 2000, the Economic Analysis Council published a report looking at the criteria necessary to attain" full employment" in France by 2010. Macroeconomic policies guaranteeing strong, sustained growth require more stringent structural policies to stimulate labour supply and improve labour market efficiency, the report states. Responses from the social partners have been mixed.
- 28 Dec 2000
France: Negotiations over 35-hour week in banking<#PDF_LINK>During the second half of 2000, agreements on introducing the 35-hour working week were signed in France's major banks, after the sectoral-level social partners failed to deal with the issue in an industry-wide agreement concluded in January. Sectoral negotiations will now deal with working time reduction for the many smaller banks which have not signed a company-level agreement.
- 28 Dec 2000
France: Industrial disputes rose in 1999<#PDF_LINK>According to data published by the French Ministry of Employment and Solidarity in November 2000, there was a marked rise in the number of working days lost due to strikes in 1999, compared with 1998. Almost half of all disputes in 1999 were mainly related to either pay or employment. However, the reduction and reorganisation of working time formed the basis for a quarter of the disputes.
- 28 Dec 2000
France: 2000 Annual Review for France<#PDF_LINK>This record reviews 2000's main developments in industrial relations in France.
- 28 Dec 2000
Greece: Awards given for good practices in workplace health and safety<#PDF_LINK>In December 2000, the Hellenic Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (ELINYAE), presented awards to Greek enterprises with outstanding practices in the fields of combating workplace stress and musculoskeletal complaints and replacing dangerous chemical substances. The awards ceremony gave the social partners and government an opportunity to outline their policies in this area.
- 28 Dec 2000
Greece: Unions hold 24-hour general strike<#PDF_LINK>The Greek General Confederation of Labour (GSEE) called a 24-hour nationwide general strike on 7 December 2000. The well-supported strike was aimed at influencing parliamentary debate on the government's controversial draft bill on measures to promote employment, which will have implications in areas such as dismissals and working time.
- 28 Dec 2000
Greece: New draft bill proposes industrial relations reforms<#PDF_LINK>In November 2000, the Greek government issued a new draft bill on "regulations regarding employment and other provisions". The proposals include measures aimed at reforming aspects of industrial relations, such as overtime, working time flexibility, part-time workers' pay and the definition of collective redundancies.
- 28 Dec 2000
Greece: GSEE gives opinion on new draft bill on employment<#PDF_LINK>In November 2000, the Greek General Confederation of Labour (GSEE) submitted to the Minister of Labour and Social Security its comments on the latter's draft bill on employment, which contains a number of measures reforming aspects of industrial relations such as overtime, working time flexibility and collective redundancies. GSEE is in favour of some of the reforms, but believes that many could have gone further.
- 28 Dec 2000
Greece: SEV criticises new draft bill on employment<#PDF_LINK>In late November 2000, Federation of Greek Industries (SEV) commented on the government's recently issued draft bill on employment, which contains a number of measures reforming aspects of industrial relations such as overtime, working time flexibility and social insurance contributions. The employers' organisation criticises many aspects of the proposals, which it believes will increase labour costs and prevent the harmonious operation of enterprises, and thus reduce the country's competitiveness without reducing unemployment.
- 28 Dec 2000
Greece: 2000 Annual Review for Greece<#PDF_LINK>This record reviews 2000's main developments in industrial relations in Greece.
- 28 Dec 2000
Ireland: Rescuing Ireland's social pact<#PDF_LINK>With inflation rising in 2000, Ireland's current national agreement, the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness (PPF), came under substantial pressure from workers and trade unions, who were seeking compensation for increases in the cost of living. Employers eventually conceded that a review of the PPF's pay terms would be necessary to "save" the Irish model of social partnership. Furthermore, the government was under considerable pressure to compensate workers in its 2001 state budget. The contents of the pay review, agreed in early December 2000, and the budget, issued shortly afterwards, will have important implications for issues such as inflation, wealth distribution, industrial conflict and the future of social partnership.
- 28 Dec 2000
Ireland: 2000 Annual Review for Ireland<#PDF_LINK>This record reviews 2000's main developments in industrial relations in Ireland.
- 28 Dec 2000
Ireland: Increase in minimum annual leave should not affect service-related leave, says Labour Court<#PDF_LINK>In October 2000, the Irish Labour Court rejected proposals by Irish Rail to alter its service-related leave scheme to offset the costs involved in increasing annual leave entitlement in order to conform with the terms of the EU working time Directive.
- 28 Dec 2000
Ireland: Widespread industrial action as national pay deal is reviewed<#PDF_LINK>A rash of industrial conflict – involving action by teachers, health administrators, airline workers, rail workers and miners – made November 2000 a fractious time at which to conduct delicate talks on the review of Ireland's current national wage agreement.
- 28 Dec 2000
Ireland: Giveaway budget and extra pay increase save national partnership<#PDF_LINK>In December 2000, Ireland's national pay and partnership deal was saved by agreement on an extra 2% pay increase in 2001, plus a lump-sum of 1% in 2002, and by a national budget delivering major income tax cuts. However, employers still have their doubts.
- 28 Dec 2000
Italy: Agreement signed for ministry employees<#PDF_LINK>In November 2000, a national collective agreement was signed adjusting the pay of employees of Italian ministries for inflation. It provides for a pay increase of ITL 154,000 (EUR 80) per month from January 2001. The increase is higher than the officially predicted level of inflation for the period in question. The Confindustria employers' organisation believes that the deal will have a negative effect on pay bargaining in the private sector.
- 28 Dec 2000
Italy: Social partners formally consulted at G-8 labour ministers meeting<#PDF_LINK>Labour ministers from the G-8 leading industrialised countries met in Turin, Italy on 10-11 November 2000 in order to prepare the full G-8 summit which will take place in Genoa in July 2001. For the first time, a formal consultation with international-level social partner representatives on the themes of the conference was held prior to the meeting. The conference ended with agreement on measures such as improvements in working conditions, the development of continuing vocational training and the promotion of "active ageing".
- 28 Dec 2000
Italy: 2000 Annual Review for Italy<#PDF_LINK>This record reviews 2000's main developments in industrial relations in Italy.
- 28 Dec 2000
Italy: Child labour in Italy analysed<#PDF_LINK>In November 2000, the Cgil trade union confederation published the findings of a survey, which estimates that child labour involves around 370,000 minors in Italy. The study identifies the causes of the problem in factors such as economic poverty and cultural backwardness, and finds that child labour is a relatively heterogeneous phenomenon in terms of the child's work history, the identity of the employer, and the school/work relationship. The study stresses the importance in the fight against child labour not only of measures to suppress it, but also of the involvement of social actors and institutions. National and international social partner action plays a role, as illustrated by a number of recent examples.
- 28 Dec 2000
Luxembourg: Illegal strike by cash-in-transit operatives<#PDF_LINK>November-December 2000 saw a major illegal strike by cash-in-transit operatives in Luxembourg, following the murder of one of their colleagues on duty. The strike triggered a sectoral tripartite meeting at which the strikers achieved their objectives in terms of improved safety standards and pay.
- 28 Dec 2000
Luxembourg: No cut in sickness insurance contributions despite budget surplus<#PDF_LINK>Although Luxembourg's sickness insurance funds have a budget surplus, the November 2000 general meeting of the Union of Sickness Funds maintained the reduction in benefits and increased contribution rates decided in 1999. The OGB-L trade union confederation has called a general strike in protest.
- 28 Dec 2000
Luxembourg: 2000 Annual Review for Luxembourg<#PDF_LINK>This record reviews 2000's main developments in industrial relations in Luxembourg.
- 28 Dec 2000
Netherlands: Labour unrest in Rotterdam docks<#PDF_LINK>November 2000 saw a wave of labour unrest at Rotterdam docks in the Netherlands. Industrial action ensued when the container shipping company, ECT proposed a reorganisation that could entail the loss of 100-125 jobs, while HRS, another container shipping firm, filed for bankruptcy after instituting insolvency proceedings, with the possible loss of 220 jobs.
- 28 Dec 2000
Netherlands: FNV seeks 4% wage increase in 2001<#PDF_LINK>In November 2000, the Dutch Trade Union Federation (FNV) set out its demands for the upcoming collective bargaining round, calling for a 4% wage increase, along with 0.5% for other terms of employment. Its largest affiliates are in agreement, adding demands such as profit-sharing and a a "13th-month" payment.
- 28 Dec 2000
Netherlands: Proposals to change dismissals law<#PDF_LINK>In November 2000, a government-appointed committee issued its recommendations on amending Dutch dismissals law. It proposes ending the current "dual system" by omitting the current test for "reasonable cause" before dismissal occurs. The new system is designed to bring Dutch legislation into line with that of other EU countries. The recommendation was presented to the social partners in the bipartite Labour Foundation. The response from employers' associations was overwhelmingly positive, but trade unions reacted less enthusiastically, questioning whether the new policy offers employees sufficient security.
- 28 Dec 2000
Netherlands: 2000 Annual Review for the Netherlands<#PDF_LINK>This record reviews 2000's main developments in industrial relations in the Netherlands.
- 28 Dec 2000
Norway: Budget compromise opens door to increased labour immigration<#PDF_LINK>A state budget compromise reached in November 2000 between Norway's Labour Party government and the coalition of opposition centre parties may lead to a relaxation of the current provisions regulating immigration to Norway for employment purposes.
- 28 Dec 2000
Norway: New NHO president cause controversy<#PDF_LINK>In November 2000, the new president of the Confederation of Norwegian Business and Industry (NHO) started his term of office controversially when he defended lucrative management share option schemes while at the same time calling for a tightening of the rules on sick pay.
- 28 Dec 2000
Norway: Trade unions face financial difficulties<#PDF_LINK>The Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) and its member unions are facing financial difficulties, due to falling membership and increasing trade union activities. Some unions may thus have to cut back on their activity in 2001.
- 28 Dec 2000
Norway: Social partners reluctantly approve further cooperation on incomes policy<#PDF_LINK>In summer 2000, a public committee issued its report on a "strategy for employment and value creation" in Norway. By the end of the year, the social partners had given their responses to the committee's recommendations on wage formation and incomes policy. The main impression is that there is a consensus, albeit rather reluctant, about continuing cooperation on incomes policy.
- 28 Dec 2000
Norway: 2000 Annual Review for Norway<#PDF_LINK>This record reviews 2000's main developments in industrial relations in Norway.
- 28 Dec 2000
Portugal: Home-based child labour increases<#PDF_LINK>Statistics issued in November 2000 indicate that illegal child labour on industrial premises has decreased in Portugal. However, research reveals that at the same time many tasks, once performed at industrial workplaces, are now being performed by children at home. Public authorities and trade unions have proposed various measures to combat this trend.
- 28 Dec 2000
Portugal: Portuguese view on EU Charter of fundamental rights<#PDF_LINK>The EU Charter of fundamental rights - which includes a number of social and employment rights - was proclaimed at the Nice European Council summit in December 2000. Here we review the positions of the Portuguese social partners and political parties on the Charter.
- 28 Dec 2000
Portugal: 2000 Annual Review for Portugal<#PDF_LINK>This record reviews 2000's main developments in industrial relations in Portugal.
- 28 Dec 2000
Sweden: Pay deal ends pharmacists conflict<#PDF_LINK>In October and November 2000, Swedish pharmacies were hit by industrial action taken by professional pharmacists seeking an enhanced pay increase in negotiations over a new collective agreement. The dispute was resolved in mid-November through a deal providing for a rise of 3.38% over 10 months. Similar agreements were also reached with three other trade unions representing pharmacy employees.
- 28 Dec 2000
Sweden: Study examines gender differences in working and living conditions<#PDF_LINK>In November 2000, a Swedish interdisciplinary research project on "modern working and living conditions for women and men" presented its final report. Using the data from earlier research, the researchers have analysed the study's results from a gender perspective. Among the findings are that women's qualifications and work tasks are less likely than men's to be reflected to their advantage in the occupational position and pay.
- 28 Dec 2000
Sweden: Active labour market policies do not increase wage pressure<#PDF_LINK>It has long been considered that the extensive active labour market policies (involving subsidised employment and training schemes) implemented in Sweden during the recession of the 1990s placed upward pressure on wages. However, a study conducted by two researchers at the Office of Labour Market Policy Evaluation (IFAU), issued in November 2000, finds that this was not the case.
- 28 Dec 2000
Sweden: 2000 Annual Review for Sweden<#PDF_LINK>This record reviews 2000's main developments in industrial relations in Sweden.
- 28 Dec 2000
EU Countries: VUE D'ENSEMBLE COMPARATIVE<#PDF_LINK> - 28 Dec 2000
EU Countries: COMPARATIVE OVERVIEW<#PDF_LINK> - 28 Dec 2000
EU Countries: VERGLEICHENDE ÜBERSICHT<#PDF_LINK> - 28 Dec 2000
United Kingdom: Government announces employment tribunal reforms<#PDF_LINK>In November 2000 the UK government unveiled a package of measures to limit the impact of regulation on businesses, including changes to employment tribunal procedures. The move is in response to employers' criticisms of the growth in "red tape" and rising tribunal caseloads.
- 28 Dec 2000
United Kingdom: TUC calls for workforce consultation on e-mail rules<#PDF_LINK>New Regulations in the UK governing interception of workplace communications, effective from 24 October 2000, have been criticised by the Trades Union Congress, which is calling on employers to consult their employees about surveillance at work.
- 28 Dec 2000
United Kingdom: Problems mount for UK automotive manufacturers in face of increased competitive pressures<#PDF_LINK>The decision by Vauxhall to cease car production at its Luton plant, announced in December 2000, is the latest blow to hit the UK automotive industry in 2000. Europe-wide overcapacity is exacerbated for UK-based manufacturers by the UK remaining outside the euro-zone. This feature summarises the main developments in the UK automotive sector in the six months since the break-up of the Rover Group by BMW.
- 28 Dec 2000
United Kingdom: Industrial relations implications of the liberalisation of the UK electricity sector<#PDF_LINK>In November 2000, the European-level social partners in the electricity sector agreed a joint declaration on maintaining a "partnership approach" to restructuring in the context of the increasing liberalisation of the European energy market. Given the advanced state of the liberalisation of the electricity sector in the UK, this feature reviews how restructuring has developed and the impact it has had on industrial relations.
- 28 Dec 2000
United Kingdom: 2000 Annual Review for the UK<#PDF_LINK>This record reviews 2000's main developments in industrial relations in the UK.