June 2001
- 28 Jun 2001
Austria: Reform of severance pay under discussion<#PDF_LINK>In mid-2001, Austria's coalition government announced its intention to reform the country's system of statutory severance pay. The aim is to extend entitlement to a wider range of situations and to introduce an option of using payments to fund occupational pensions. However, the details of the reform are a matter of controversy and debate.
- 28 Jun 2001
Belgium: Demonstration calls for improved social security benefits<#PDF_LINK>On 20 May, about 20,000 people demonstrated in Brussels to demand from the federal government a "decent standard of living" for recipients of social security benefits. The action was called by 30 organisations, including trade unions and mutual societies. On 21 May, the Belgian government responded with an initial set of measures, including the establishment of a "round table on social solidarity".
- 28 Jun 2001
Belgium: White-collar workers agreement raises early retirement issue<#PDF_LINK>In May 2001, trade unions and employers' associations on Belgium's National Auxiliary Joint Committee for White-Collar Workers (CPNAE/ANPCB), which covers some 310,000 employees, signed a new collective agreement for 2001-2. The most controversial aspect of the deal is that it makes a breach, albeit a relatively small one, in the current system of early retirement from the age of 58, to the satisfaction of employers.
- 28 Jun 2001
Belgium: Construction sector talks deadlocked over temporary agency work<#PDF_LINK>In June 2001, negotiations in the Belgian construction sector over a new two-year collective agreement for 160,000 blue-collar workers, in line with the 2001-2 national intersectoral agreement, are deadlocked. The stumbling block is the question of lifting the current ban on temporary agency work in the sector. A draft settlement on this and the other issues under negotiation has been agreed by all the other bargaining parties, but the sectoral affiliate of the FGTB/ABVV trade union confederation has refused to sign. The union's opposition to the introduction of temporary agency work means that none of the draft agreement's other provisions - eg on pay increases or employers' training contributions - can yet come into force.
- 28 Jun 2001
Germany: Lufthansa pilots pay dispute draws to close<#PDF_LINK>In June 2001, an agreement reached in an arbitration committee brought to an end a pay dispute between the German air carrier Lufthansa and the VC pilots' trade union. Bargaining had earlier broken down amid a number of warning strikes and two 24-hour stoppages. The conflict was particularly notable because the pilots, for the first time in Germany, used explicit international wage comparisons in support of their demands, while other unions openly criticised the pilots' demands as being excessive.
- 28 Jun 2001
Germany: Pension reform finally passed<#PDF_LINK>In May 2001, the German Federal Council approved the second part of the government's pension reform legislation, which will come into force on 1 January 2002. After months of controversial debate, the upper house of parliament has now cleared the way for the introduction of a private branch of the pensions system. In expectation of substantial sums of money being invested, not only banks and insurance companies but also the social partners are now seeking to provide new opportunities for private pension investment
- 28 Jun 2001
Germany: New agreements signed in private banking and insurance<#PDF_LINK>In May 2001, the ver.di trade union and the employers' association for private banking signed a new collective agreement for about 470,000 employees. The deal provides for a pay increase of 2.8%, long-term working time accounts and exceptional rules on working time during the changeover from the Deutschmark to the euro. Similar pay provisions were subsequently agreed for the insurance sector.
- 28 Jun 2001
Germany: DGB to assess national Alliance for Jobs<#PDF_LINK>In April 2001, Germany's DGB trade union confederation announced that it was to conduct an assessment of the achievements of the tripartite national Alliance for Jobs, launched in late 1998. DGB will evaluate the Alliance in terms of its results in areas such as cutting unemployment, increasing employment, reducing overtime working and promoting training and part-time work.
- 28 Jun 2001
Germany: Employees at Pixelpark multimedia agency elect works council<#PDF_LINK>In May 2001, employees at the Berlin office of the German multimedia agency, Pixelpark, elected a works council. As works councils are not widespread in the information and communication technology sector and it is generally difficult for trade unions to gain influence in this industry, this event attracted attention. In the run-up to the election, Pixelpark management announced that offices will be closed and employees made redundant in the course of company restructuring. The newly elected works council is now trying to counter this plan by developing alternative proposals.
- 28 Jun 2001
Denmark: Bill on wage data adopted<#PDF_LINK>In June 2001, the Danish parliament adopted a bill amending the Act on Equal Pay, with the aim of creating greater transparency in wage data and addressing the gender "pay gap" which persists after 25 years of equal pay legislation. Under the new legislation, employees, trade unions and the Equal Opportunities Board will have access to wage data in all enterprises with more than 10 employees.
- 28 Jun 2001
Denmark: Industry sector social partners reach agreement on psychological working environment<#PDF_LINK>In May 2001, Ove Hygum, the Danish Minister of Labour, announced that the Working Environment Authority would be given extended powers, enabling it to intervene at workplaces to prevent problems concerning the "psychological working environment", including sexual harassment and serious bullying. Employers described such a move as interference in their managerial prerogatives, while some trade unions perceived a conflict with the Danish "bargaining model", whereby problems are mainly resolved by the social partners themselves. Unions and employers in the trend-setting industry sector subsequently concluded a collective agreement providing that matters relating to the psychological working environment will be dealt with by the social partners themselves through the existing procedures for settling industrial disputes. Similar agreements may follow in other sectors.
- 28 Jun 2001
Denmark: EU part-time work Directive implemented through new dual method<#PDF_LINK>In the past, EU employment and social Directives have been implemented exclusively through collective agreements in Denmark. However, in June 2001, parliament adopted legislation transposing the Directive on part-time work, essentially extending the provisions of an agreement concluded by the LO trade union confederation and DA employers' confederation to those areas without their own agreements on the matter. This new "dual" implementation method - involving both law and bargaining - represents a break with tradition, and is not without problems. The other main social partner organisations on both the union and employer sides have complained to the Ministry of Labour that they had not been consulted.
- 28 Jun 2001
Spain: Pensions agreement signed<#PDF_LINK>In April 2001, a major agreement on pensions reform was signed by the Spanish government, the CEOE and CEPYME employers' confederations and the CC.OO trade union confederation. The accord provides for enhanced funding and for improved conditions for pensioners in areas such as early retirement, minimum benefit levels and widows' benefits. The UGT union confederation did not sign the deal.
- 28 Jun 2001
Spain: Industrial accident rate still high<#PDF_LINK>Five years after the introduction of the Law on Prevention of Occupational Risks in 1996, Spain's industrial accident rate remains very high. This feature provides the latest statistics and outlines the views and proposals of the government and social partners.
- 28 Jun 2001
Spain: Pensions agreement signed<#PDF_LINK>In April 2001, a major agreement on pensions reform was signed by the Spanish government, the CEOE and CEPYME employers' confederations and the CC.OO trade union confederation. The accord provides for enhanced funding and for improved conditions for pensioners in areas such as early retirement, minimum benefit levels and widows' benefits. The UGT union confederation did not sign the deal.
- 28 Jun 2001
Spain: Part-time employment examined<#PDF_LINK>Like most EU countries, Spain has seen an increase in part-time employment - mostly involving women in the services sector- in recent years. This feature examines the current part-time work situation in mid-2001 and the extent to which it involves discrimination against women.
- 28 Jun 2001
Spain: Social partners assess NAP<#PDF_LINK>In April 2001, the Spanish government presented its 2001 National Action Plan (NAP) for employment, which involves spending over ESP 2 billion on measure to combat unemployment. Trade unions have criticised the fact that the Plan was not negotiated with the social partners, though they were informed and consulted on it. The social partners agree on the priority problem: unstable employment. However, they disagree on how to resolve it.
- 28 Jun 2001
Spain: Industrial accident rate still high<#PDF_LINK>Five years after the introduction of the Law on Prevention of Occupational Risks in 1996, Spain's industrial accident rate remains very high. This feature provides the latest statistics and outlines the views and proposals of the government and social partners.
- 28 Jun 2001
EU Level: Temporary agency work talks break down<#PDF_LINK>Talks between the central European-level social partners on the issue of temporary agency work broke down definitively in May 2001 despite renewed attempts to reach agreement over the previous month. The EU Employment and Social Policy Commissioner, Anna Diamantopoulou, has stated that she will issue draft Community legislation in this field in the near future.
- 28 Jun 2001
EU Level: Commission issues package of measures to reduce social impact of redundancies<#PDF_LINK>A new package of measures designed to reduce the social impact of large-scale job cuts was issued by the European Commission in May 2001. The package contains: commitments from the Commission concerning various areas of Community legislation; advice to companies on their obligations under the existing Community legislative framework; promises of funding assistance from the European Social Fund; and an overview of best practice.
- 28 Jun 2001
EU Level: ETUC and UEAPME agree joint declaration on development of social dialogue<#PDF_LINK>In May 2001, a joint declaration on the development of the social dialogue as "a tool to meet the economic and social challenges of small enterprises" was agreed between the European Association of Craft and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (UEAPME) and the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC)
- 28 Jun 2001
EU Level: ECJ rules on employees' information rights prior to seeking establishment of an EWC<#PDF_LINK>In March 2001, the European Court of Justice delivered its judgment in the first case concerning the European Works Councils (EWCs) Directive to have reached the Court. The ruling in thebofrost*case highlights the responsibility of undertakings which are part of a group to meet employee requests for information about the number and distribution of employees and the structure of the group, including the disclosure of documents if necessary, so that the employees can determine whether they have the right to seek negotiations about a possible EWC.
- 28 Jun 2001
EU Level: Council of Ministers reaches political agreement on employee consultation Directive<#PDF_LINK>In June 2001, the EU Employment and Social Policy Council approved a compromise text of the proposed Directive on national information and consultation rules. The measure now returns to the European Parliament for a second reading and final adoption is possible before the end of the year.
- 28 Jun 2001
EU Level: Council reaches common positions on equal treatment, information and consultation and noise Directives<#PDF_LINK>The EU Employment and Social Policy Council held on 11 June 2001 reached political agreement on common positions in the case of three legislative proposals: a text amending and updating the 1976 equal treatment Directive; a proposed Directive on national-level information and consultation of workers; and a draft health and safety Directive protecting workers from risks related to noise.
- 28 Jun 2001
EU Level: Gothenburg summit focuses on employment and the ageing workforce<#PDF_LINK>EU heads of state and government met in Gothenburg on 15-16 June 2001 for the final European Council summit of the Swedish Presidency. Discussions focused on enlargement of the EU, employment, quality of work and future strategies to deal with problems associated with an ageing European workforce.
- 28 Jun 2001
EU Level: Labour standards agreement signed at Chiquita<#PDF_LINK>An international agreement on labour standards, freedom of association and consultation rights in the event of corporate restructuring in the Latin American operations of the international fruit and vegetable producer and distributor Chiquita Brands International Inc, was signed by the company and trade union organisations in June 2001.
- 28 Jun 2001
Finland: Government grants new wage subsidies for shipping<#PDF_LINK>In May 2001, the Finnish government decided, after lengthy uncertainty, to grant new subsidies for passenger shipping, in the form of cuts in taxation and social security contributions on seafarers' wages. The initial reaction of trade unions and ship-owners was disappointment, because such tax and social security contributions have not been fully abolished. Ship-owners still envisage possible "outflagging" of ships to other countries' registers in order to cut labour costs.
- 28 Jun 2001
Finland: White-collar unions merge<#PDF_LINK>In May 2001, four trade unions affiliated to Finland's STTK white-collar confederation merged to form the Union of Salaried Employees (TU). With 130,000 members, TU is the country's fourth largest union.
- 28 Jun 2001
Finland: SAK holds five-yearly national congress<#PDF_LINK>In May 2001, the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) held its five-yearly congress. The congress brought few surprises and long-standing president Lauri Ihalainen was re-elected. Topics of discussion included the challenges of globalisation and future policy orientations. The Finnish President and the Prime Minister attended the congress, a mark of SAK's good relations with the state authorities. Many international trade union representatives also attended, underlining interest in cooperation across national borders.
- 28 Jun 2001
Finland: Act on Protection of Privacy in Working Life adopted<#PDF_LINK>In June 2001, Finland adopted a new Act on Protection of Privacy in Working Life, regulating issues such as the testing of employees, the handling of information concerning their health, and rules on monitoring the workforce. A basic principle is that the employer is permitted to collect only information relevant to the employment relationship. The legislation should come into force in October 2001.
- 28 Jun 2001
France: Negotiations deadlocked in urban public transport<#PDF_LINK>Public transport workers in approximately 50 provincial French cities came out on strike on three occasions in May 2001 in the latest in a series of stoppages in a dispute over trade union calls for the introduction of retirement at the age of 55. However, the strike movement appeared to be showing signs of losing momentum, while negotiations were stalled in early June.
- 28 Jun 2001
France: National Assembly approves legislation implementing unemployment insurance agreement<#PDF_LINK>In May 2001, the French National Assembly adopted at first reading legislative provisions implementing aspects of an agreement on the reform of the unemployment insurance system reached by employers' associations and some trade unions in October 2000. The issue divided the governing left-wing coalition, and the CGT and CGT-FO union confederations (which did not sign the agreement) and associations representing unemployed people remain opposed to the new measures.
- 28 Jun 2001
France: Youth employment scheme consolidated<#PDF_LINK>In June 2001, the French government announced measures aimed at consolidating the "youth employment-new services" scheme (EJNS) introduced in 1997. The majority of the jobs created under the scheme will be renewed while, for the young people concerned, the government is seeking to establish support measures and promote training and the "professionalisation" of the areas of work in question. The main innovation is the introduction of special competitive exams for young people on the EJNS scheme in the national education system. Some of the anxieties about EJNS initially voiced by many trade unions remain. These relate mainly to the lack of a guaranteed job at the end of the scheme, the status of the jobs and the perceived inadequacy of the training offered.
- 28 Jun 2001
France: 2001 NAP unveiled<#PDF_LINK>The Minister of Employment and Solidarity officially presented France's 2001 National Action Plan (NAP) for employment in May 2001. Consultation with the social partners was carried out differently this year - to their general satisfaction - and the various government ministries were more involved. The main thrusts of French employment strategy have been maintained, but with the addition of a more individualised and "qualitative" approach.
- 28 Jun 2001
Greece: Government and unions still at odds over social security system<#PDF_LINK>In June 2001, the Greek government and trade unions are in dispute over the former's proposals for reform of the social security system. The unions organised well-supported one-day national general strikes on 26 April and 17 May, and continue to reject the social dialogue on the issue offered by the government.
- 28 Jun 2001
Greece: GSEE sets out social security positions and proposals<#PDF_LINK>Social security is at the top of the Greek industrial relations agenda in mid-2001, following government proposals for reform of the system, particularly in the area of pensions. Trade unions have staged two 24-hour general strikes, and in May the Greek General Confederation of Labour (GSEE) presented a major report aimed at setting out and supporting the unions' positions and proposals on social security.
- 28 Jun 2001
Ireland: Implications of proposed EU information and consultation Directive in Ireland<#PDF_LINK>In June 2001, the EU Council of Ministers approved a compromise text of the proposed Directive on national information and consultation rules, and the Directive now looks likely to be adopted in late 2001. The Directive has received mixed reviews from the Irish social partners and looks set to have major implications for Irish industrial relations.
- 28 Jun 2001
Ireland: Adherence to national pay deal high but falling<#PDF_LINK>In April 2001, it was estimated that around 70%-75% of private sector pay deals were adhering to the terms of Ireland's current national agreement, the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness (PPF). This represents a fall from adherence levels recorded under previous national accords. A survey of agreements providing for wage rises above the basic increases provided for in the PPF has found that over 50% contain no significant cost off-setting measures.
- 28 Jun 2001
Ireland: ICTU to toughen inter-union transfer rules<#PDF_LINK>At its conference in July 2001, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) is set to harden its rules on inter-union membership transfers following a number of high-profile disputes between member unions in the past year.
- 28 Jun 2001
Italy: Metalworkers strike as agreement renewals loom<#PDF_LINK>18 May 2001 saw a major strike called by Italian metalworkers' trade unions, aimed at putting pressure on negotiations over a new collective agreement which are deadlocked in a dispute over pay increases for 2000-1. There are a total of 17 national sectoral agreements covering more than 8 million workers awaiting renewal in Italy and, coupled with the election of a new centre-right government in May, this has led to fears that a major social conflict might erupt.
- 28 Jun 2001
Italy: Social partners react to new centre-right government<#PDF_LINK>Italy's May 2001 general election resulted in victory for the centre-right coalition led by Silvio Berlusconi. The Confindustria employers' confederation has welcomed the political stability that the result will bring for the next five years, and restated the proposals that it considers necessary for the economic relaunch of the country. The Cisl and Uil trade union confederations are waiting for the government to announce its programme before reacting in detail, but are calling for the current system of social concertation and dialogue to be safeguarded. The third main union confederation, Cgil, believes that conflict may develop between the unions and the new government over health, education and the protection of workers' rights.
- 28 Jun 2001
Italy: 2001 NAP issued<#PDF_LINK>May 2001 saw the publication of Italy's 2001 National Action Plan (NAP) for employment, at a time when employment is increasing and the unemployment rate has fallen below 10% for the first time in a decade. The new NAP focuses mainly on outlining the employment policies which have been implemented in recent times, rather than detailed new measures, which will be the responsibility of the new centre-right government that came to power following the general election on 13 May.
- 28 Jun 2001
Luxembourg: 2001 NAP presented<#PDF_LINK>In May 2001, the Minister of Labour presented Luxembourg's 2001 National Action Plan (NAP) for employment, which was drawn up by a tripartite body. Notable provisions include measures to address long-term employment and gender pay differentials, and a lifelong learning programme. The new NAP is Luxembourg's first since 1998.
- 28 Jun 2001
Netherlands: Strikes in healthcare and docks while rail agreement is rejected<#PDF_LINK>In May-June 2001, conflicts over new pay agreements broke out in the Dutch healthcare and docks sectors. Meanwhile, an agreement on controversial new rosters at Dutch Railways (NS) was rejected by the membership of the largest rail union, FNV Bondgenoten.
- 28 Jun 2001
Netherlands: Debate over making supplementary pension coverage compulsory<#PDF_LINK>Mid-2001 has seen considerable activity in the Netherlands on the issue of supplementary pensions provision. The government is proposing to make supplementary pension schemes, where they exist, "generally applicable" to all employees. In May, the advisory Social and Economic Council (SER) expressed a negative opinion on this approach. Meanwhile, in April, two members of the Lower House of parliament - both belonging to parties in the ruling coalition - proposed two private members' bills which would go further than the government envisages. Employers would be required to provide minimum supplementary pension rights for all employees. The context is that around 10% of Dutch workers - often women - have no supplementary pensions cover.
- 28 Jun 2001
Norway: Governor of central bank causes controversy<#PDF_LINK>In March 2001, the Bank of Norway was given greater independence in setting interest rates, with the aim of achieving an inflation target rate of 2.5%. In May, the governor of the Bank announced a policy of gradual interest rate adjustments in order to reach this target, but also warned that interest rates will be raised if pay settlements generate higher wage growth than is justifiable in the light of the 2.5% target. This statement has caused a degree of controversy among the social partners.
- 28 Jun 2001
Norway: Braathen Safe employees support takeover by SAS<#PDF_LINK>In May 2001, the SAS airline made a takeover bid for its troubled main competitor in Norway, Braathen Safe. The deal will be closely monitored by the Norwegian Competition Authority because, if approved, it will give SAS a monopoly in Norwegian civil aviation. Most Braathen Safe employees and their trade unions welcome the deal.
- 28 Jun 2001
Portugal: CIP presidency election brings calls for change<#PDF_LINK>In summer 2001, the forthcoming election of a new president of the Confederation of Portuguese Industry, following the retirement of the current incumbent after a 20-year term, has led to calls for a change of direction. The key industry associations which have co-existed and cooperated with CIP, which acts as an employers' organisation, now want to extend their own influence and develop new strategies in response to the challenges of EU membership.
- 28 Jun 2001
Portugal: New programme promotes innovation<#PDF_LINK>The Portuguese government launched an Integrated Innovation Support Programme in May 2001, aimed at helping modernise the national economy and boost its competitiveness. The objective is to create the conditions that allow innovation to thrive, notably by: increasing individual qualification levels; minimising discrepancies in basic education; stimulating companies' innovative abilities; and creating a network of key institutions to develop this process. The issue of economic modernisation has been high on the social partners' agenda.
- 28 Jun 2001
Portugal: 2001 NAP intensifies fight against illegal work and promotes employability.<#PDF_LINK>In May 2001, the Portuguese government approved its new National Action Plan (NAP) for employment, drawn up with the involvement of the social partners (which also have a role in its implementation). Key aims of the NAP include: the intensification of the fight against illegal work; the promotion of employability; support for continuing training; and an increased number of jobs in the service sector.
- 28 Jun 2001
Portugal: Project promotes innovation and employee participation in SMEs<#PDF_LINK>In June 2001, Portugal's Institute for Innovation in Training (INOFOR) assessed a project it had been running on "Paths to innovation", which sought to promote organisational innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Such innovation is thought to be rare in Portugal. Notable points included: the fact that participating companies were required to develop employee participation in innovation; a programme of visits to SMEs in Denmark and Ireland, in which trade unions and employers participated; and the establishment of a network by the companies involved.
- 28 Jun 2001
Portugal: Debate over low pay, low productivity and high inflation<#PDF_LINK>Summer 2001 has seen considerable alarm in Portugal at the weakness of the country's economy and the rising level of inflation, while the "vicious circle" of low wages and low productivity has again been highlighted. The Bank of Portugal has called for changes in the process of wage bargaining, a proposal which has received support from some of the social partners, notably employers. The trade unions have underlined their own agenda of harmonising Portuguese pay with EU averages, and reiterated their calls for various structural changes. A lack of reliable productivity data and inflation forecasts has hampered the debate.
- 28 Jun 2001
Sweden: Social partners agree improved occupational injury insurance scheme<#PDF_LINK>In April 2001, the social partners in the Swedish private sector signed an agreement improving the terms of the collectively-agreed TFA work injury insurance scheme. Changes have also been made to two other insurance schemes based on collective agreements, those covering sickness and redundancy.
- 28 Jun 2001
Sweden: Government proposes legislation to implement EU Directives on part-time and fixed-term work<#PDF_LINK>In May 2001, proposed legislation to implement the EU Directives on part-time work and fixed-term work was soon to be put to the Swedish parliament. The new law, which will ban discrimination against workers in these forms of employment, should come into force in April 2002. Trade unions would rather have implemented the Directives through collective agreements, but employers were opposed to such a move.
- 28 Jun 2001
Sweden: Overall union membership declines<#PDF_LINK>According to figures published in spring 2001, the total membership of Swedish trade unions continued to decline in 2000, with overall union density down to 79% from 84% in 1994. Losses were recorded among the affiliates of the blue-collar LO confederation, while the white-collar TCO and especially the graduate SACO experienced small increases. Recently published research indicates that unions are failing to attract younger workers.
- 28 Jun 2001
Sweden: Work injury insurance scheme to be amended<#PDF_LINK>In June 2001, after several years of debate and with the number of reported occupational diseases steadily rising, the Swedish government announced a proposal to reform the work injury insurance scheme, making it easier to have compensation claims accepted. A bill is expected in late 2001. The social partners are divided over the possible relaxation of the rules.
- 28 Jun 2001
United Kingdom: Government to go ahead with equal pay reforms<#PDF_LINK>In May 2001, the UK government confirmed that it would be proceeding with plans to simplify existing legislation in a bid to speed up equal pay employment tribunal cases. The move is one of a number of steps intended to remedy the gender "pay gap".
- 28 Jun 2001
United Kingdom: London protest at M&S redundancies highlights consultation issues<#PDF_LINK>An international trade union demonstration was held in London in May 2001 to protest against Marks & Spencer's controversial closure plans for its continental European stores. Union leaders called for the early adoption of the draft EU Directive on employee information and consultation, but the Confederation of British Industry rejected claims that the measure would improve consultation over redundancies.
- 28 Jun 2001
United Kingdom: Developing high-quality work-based training for young people<#PDF_LINK>Despite continuing problems with the quality of much government-sponsored youth training in the UK, even within the "flagship" Modern Apprenticeship programme, policymakers are currently planning a significant expansion of the work-based route. This feature looks at the difficulties such policy ambitions, aired in consultation documents in 2000 and 2001, are likely to run up against, and asks what alternative options are available for building a high-quality apprenticeship system.