September 2001
- 28 Sep 2001
United Kingdom: Determining unfair dismissal cases by arbitration<#PDF_LINK>In May 2001, a new arbitration procedure became operational in the UK, providing a voluntary, fast-track alternative to an employment tribunal hearing for resolving claims of unfair dismissal.
- 28 Sep 2001
Italy: Income distribution developments since the 1993 incomes policy agreement<#PDF_LINK>According to recent research, Italy's national tripartite incomes policy agreement of 23 July 1993 has helped to protect the purchasing power of wages, although the 1990s were a decade of pay restraint. However, it appears in autumn 20002 that the re-emergence of inflation and the disparity between the growth of productivity and of wages may reopen conflict on income redistribution.
- 28 Sep 2001
France: Industrial relations and the BSE crisis<#PDF_LINK>The food and agriculture crises that France has been experiencing since autumn 2000, triggered by themad cow disease(BSE) outbreak, have severely upset business in the meat industry, particularly beef and lamb/mutton. In autumn 2001, meat consumption is down and the continuing drop in beef sales is no longer being offset by increased sales in other meats. As a result, the entire meat industry is experiencing an economic slump, which is affecting not only farmers but also employment in the agri-food industry. A tripartite agreement on training was signed in July 2001 in an attempt to protect employment in the industry, while trade unions have sought both to defend jobs and to rethink France's current model of agriculture.
- 28 Sep 2001
EU Level: Commission issues annual employment package<#PDF_LINK>The European Commission launched its annual employment packagein September 2001. The performance of Europe's labour markets is praised, although recommendations on how to improve labour market strategy are made to all Member States. The Employment and Social Policy Commissioner also warned that the current strategy must continue, despite the likelihood of an economic downturn.
- 28 Sep 2001
Ireland: Implications of new EU equality Directives in Ireland<#PDF_LINK>Ireland, along with the other Member States, must implement the new EU equality Directives - the framework employment Directive and race Directive - by 2003. A major conference held in summer 2001 examined the two Directives and their likely impact on Irish equality law.
- 28 Sep 2001
Norway: Agreement reached on new reorganisation rules in state sector<#PDF_LINK>September 2001 saw the announcement of an agreement laying down personnel policy guidelines to be observed in reorganisation processes in the Norwegian state sector, negotiated by the government and the main trade unions. The deal provides for various support measures for workers affected by a major public sector reform programme.
- 28 Sep 2001
Norway: NHO adopts new policy on incomes policy and bargaining<#PDF_LINK>In September 2001, the Confederation of Norwegian Business and Industry (NHO) adopted a newemployer policyprogramme. NHO is not satisfied with the results of the centralised wage policy pursued in recent years and will work towards a decentralisation of the determination of pay and conditions to the company level.
- 25 Sep 2001
Austria: Future role of social partnership under dispute<#PDF_LINK>Since the formation of the new centre-right coalition government in February 2000, the consensual atmosphere in Austria's public policy-making has been greatly disrupted. Social partnership has increasingly lost its function as a platform forinterest clearingand its ability to resolve problems. Conflict with the ÖGB trade union confederation appeared to reach a peak in late August 2001, when ÖGB decided to ballot members on further protest actions against new government legislation.
- 25 Sep 2001
Belgium: Uncertainty as Opel restructures<#PDF_LINK>In August 2001, the German-based car manufacturer, Opel (part of the General Motors group), announced a worldwide restructuring plan, arousing fears in Belgium about the possible closure of its plant at Antwerp. However, this threat receded following an agreement reached by the company and European Works Council on no plant closures and no compulsory redundancies in the restructuring process. The German management of Opel has indeed placed an emphasis on social dialogue and consultation, so as to identify measures that are both economically and socially viable.
- 25 Sep 2001
Portugal: Trade union agendas for 2002 focus on wages, working time and income redistribution<#PDF_LINK>In September 2001, the two main Portuguese trade union confederations approved their agendas for 2002. They are demanding an increase in workers' purchasing power and quality of life through changes in taxation policy and improvements in wages, working hours, holidays, health and safety, education and training, social inclusion and workers' rights.
- 25 Sep 2001
Portugal: National health and safety agreement followed up<#PDF_LINK>In September 2001, seven months after the signing of a national tripartite agreement on working conditions, health and safety and prevention of accidents at work, a number of initiatives have been undertaken at various levels in Portugal. A short-term intervention plan has been completed and a new National Prevention Action Plan has resulted in the adoption of a number of measures for the coming three years. The social partners have been heavily involved in the implementation process.
- 25 Sep 2001
Germany: Agreements signed on Volkswagen's '5000 x 5000' project<#PDF_LINK>In August 2001, the German-based car producer Volkswagen (VW) and the IG Metall metalworkers' trade union concluded a set of company agreements for the new VW subsidiary, Auto 5000 GmbH. The new pay and working time provisions are below the level set by the main VW company agreement, but are equivalent to the level of the sectoral collective agreement for metalworking. Furthermore, the agreements include some innovative provisions on continuing training, work organisation and co-determination rights.
- 21 Sep 2001
EU Level: European Metalworkers' Federation holds fourth European collective bargaining conference<#PDF_LINK>At its fourth collective bargaining conference, held in June 2001, the European Metalworkers' Federation (EMF) discussed a number of issues related to European collective bargaining. It reviewed the progress of its 1998 strategy aimed at a European coordination of bargaining, debated a draft training charter and discussed a draft position paper on a future European industrial relations system.
- 19 Sep 2001
EU Countries: Progressive retirement in Europe<#PDF_LINK>Progressive retirement schemes have been introduced in a majority of European Union countries (and Norway), allowing workers approaching retirement age to cut their working hours and receive some form of income support to make up for the shortfall in pay. With the importance of retaining older workers in employment and cutting the burden on pension systems increasingly being recognised (and promoted by the EU), greater attention is being paid to progressive retirement. This comparative study analyses the extent and utilisation of progressive retirement, its regulation by law and collective bargaining, the main features of the existing schemes, and its role and importance in the current debate between governments and social partners.
- 19 Sep 2001
Austria: Unexpected sharp rise in unemployment<#PDF_LINK>The unemployment rate in Austria, which had slightly decreased during the first half of 2001, unexpectedly increased by 8.4% in July compared with the same period in 2000. While forecasts had predicted a fall in the average annual unemployment rate to 3.6% in 2001, the rate seems likely to display an upward trend due to the restrictive budget policy of the current government as well as weak economic growth. Men have been more affected than women by the rising unemployment. Trade unions and the political opposition have called for a change in government policy, while increasing unemployment in the tourism industry has raised the issue of the number of foreign workers in this sector.
- 19 Sep 2001
EU Level: EP approves European Company Statute proposals<#PDF_LINK>The formal adoption of the proposal for the creation of a European Company moved a step closer following the approval on 4 September 2001 by the European Parliament of the draft Regulation on the European Company Statute and the accompanying Directive on worker involvement.
- 19 Sep 2001
EU Level: Commission launches high-level group on company law<#PDF_LINK>A new high-level group was created in September 2001 by the European Commission with a brief to look into issues relating to company law, and notably takeover bids. The Commission is expected, on the basis of the group's recommendations, to formulate a new draft Directive on takeover bids, following the rejection of the previous proposal (which included employee information provisions) by the European Parliament.
- 19 Sep 2001
EU Level: UNI holds first world congress<#PDF_LINK>Union Network International's first world congress, held on 5-9 September 2001, discussed a broad range of issues, including the rights of workers in thenew economyand the importance of forming and nurturing global union alliances.
- 19 Sep 2001
France: Employees back AOM-Air Liberté takeover<#PDF_LINK>In July 2001, the French courts approved a takeover bid for the AOM-Air Liberté airline group, previously controlled by Swissair. The successful Holcobid, which was supported by employee representatives, provides for the loss of some 1,900 jobs out of 4,600. However, the long-term viability of this economically and commercially ambitious takeover remains very uncertain.
- 19 Sep 2001
Greece: Women in employment<#PDF_LINK>In recent years, Greek women have been entering the labour force at a rapid pace. Despite the relative increase in their incomes, their quality of life appears to have deteriorated due to their need to combine work and family obligations. Women are usually employed in jobs involving little power or responsibility and are paid less than men. These are some of the key points from a review of the survey and research data available on women's employment, as at summer 2001.
- 19 Sep 2001
Luxembourg: New law changes burden of proof in sex discrimination cases<#PDF_LINK>A law that came into force in Luxembourg on 1 September 2001 transposes into national law almost word for word the terms of the 1997 EU Directive on the burden of proof in sex discrimination cases.
- 17 Sep 2001
Germany: Study examines employment situation of women after taking parental leave<#PDF_LINK>In a study published in June 2001, Germany's Institute for Employment Research has analysed the effects of the extension of parental leave entitlement to three years in 1992. The study indicates that the majority of women return to work after parental leave and that these jobs are often adequate and even, in some cases, better than before. Nevertheless, a relatively high proportion of women face unemployment after parental leave. The study also finds that companies are offering improved skills and qualification opportunities to women during parental leave, but that their participation is restricted due to the persistent lack of childcare facilities.
- 17 Sep 2001
Spain: UGT criticises effects of labour market reform<#PDF_LINK>In August 2001, Spain's UGT trade union confederation issued a report making a negative assessment of the effects on employment of the labour market reform introduced unilaterally by the government in March, to union opposition.
- 17 Sep 2001
France: Redundancies at AOM-Air Liberté<#PDF_LINK>In August 2001, following theHolcotakeover of AOM-Air Liberté, workers' representatives, the official receivers and the government drew up a redundancy plan for the airline. Some 1,400 job losses are planned through redundancies and voluntary departures, but the government and trade unions have attempted to find jobs elsewhere for all the redundant staff.
- 17 Sep 2001
France: Action plan launched for people with disabilities<#PDF_LINK>In July 2001, the French government launched a new action plan for people with disabilities, aimed at improving their integration into society and work. One of the key measures seeks to encourage employers to reintegrate disabled employees back into the workforce.
- 17 Sep 2001
France: Company-level pay bargaining picks up<#PDF_LINK>A study published in August 2001 indicates that company-level pay bargaining picked up noticeably in France in the first quarter of the year, with pay accounting for nearly 18% of company agreements reached during this period, compared with a little under 14% in 2000. The rises agreed are relatively moderate and follow in the wake of the unpredictable increase in consumer prices in 2000.
- 17 Sep 2001
France: Controversial working time agreement signed in insurance<#PDF_LINK>In late July 2001, an agreement implementing France's 35-hour week legislation in the insurance sector was signed by the FFSA employers' organisation and the CFDT trade union. The deal - which gives company agreements primacy over the sectoral agreement in certain circumstances - has been roundly criticised by the industry's other trade unions and has not so far been signed by other employers.
- 17 Sep 2001
Ireland: Most human resources managers would replace many staff<#PDF_LINK>Whilehiring the right peopleandretainingstaff are seen as the critical issues facing Irish human resources managers today, 78% of them say that they would change 25%-50% of their workforce tomorrow. These are among the findings of a survey published in July 2001.
- 11 Sep 2001
Austria: Government intends to restrict labour immigration<#PDF_LINK>In August 2001, the Austrian government presented a new policy proposal aiming at reducing the country's overall intake of immigrant workers from outside the EU. While the total intake of highly-skilled foreign labour will be increased by almost 50%, the government intends to restrict the immigration of less-skilled labour. For the moment, the proposal seems to have resolved the contentious issue of immigration, at least between the two coalition parties ÖVP and FPÖ. However, the implementation and consequences of the proposed measures remain highly unclear, and they have been criticised by the political opposition and by employee representatives.
- 11 Sep 2001
Belgium: Social plan under negotiation at SABENA<#PDF_LINK>In September 2001, management and staff representatives at SABENA have started negotiations on implementing abusiness planthat was approved by the Belgo-Swiss airline's board of directors on 7 August. The plan provides for the loss of 1,400 jobs to enable the company to return to profitability by 2005. The pilots called a 24-hour strike on 6 September.
- 11 Sep 2001
Denmark: New cooperation agreement signed in agriculture<#PDF_LINK>In August 2001, the LO trade union confederation and SALA employers' organisation signed a new cooperation agreement for the agriculture sector. The agreement aims to help prevent labour market exclusion, giving company-level cooperation committees a role in matters concerning the retention and integration of employees with a reduced working capacity. The new deal may be the first step towards a revision of the wider cooperation agreement between LO and the DA employers' confederation.
- 11 Sep 2001
Denmark: Union sues Intel over share options<#PDF_LINK>In August 2001, Denmark's largest trade union, the Union of Commercial and Clerical Employees (HK) decided to sue the information technology group Intel, seeking to have it established by the courts that it is not lawful for a company to deprive dismissed employees of share options. In July, Intel had closed its Danish operation and dismissed 200 employees, cancelling or restricting the share options held by some of the staff. The case involves important matters of principle related to the connection between share options and the ordinary pay of employees.
- 11 Sep 2001
Italy: National collective agreement signed for professional offices<#PDF_LINK>Late July 2001 saw the conclusion of Italy's first single national collective agreement for the 1 million staff employed byprofessional offices- ie the offices of lawyers, engineers, architects etc. The agreement provides for increases in pay and seniority increments and commits the parties to drawing up a full framework of terms and conditions of employment for the sector.
- 11 Sep 2001
Italy: Single national agreement signed for electricity sector<#PDF_LINK>In late July 2001, a single national collective agreement was signed for the whole of Italy's liberalised electricity sector. The deal establishes industrial relations and bargaining structures for the industry as well as providing for pay increases and a 38-hour week, and regulating issues such as fixed-term contracts, temporary agency work and apprenticeships.
- 11 Sep 2001
Norway: Sick pay a key issue in general election<#PDF_LINK>The national sick pay scheme was one of the central issues on the agenda in the run-up to the Norwegian parliamentary election in September 2001. The present Labour government wants to maintain existing provisions allowing full wage compensation in the event of sickness absence, while the Conservative Party, among others, wants to see a reduction in the level of compensation.
- 11 Sep 2001
Norway: No consensus on financing subsistence during educational leave<#PDF_LINK>The report of a Norwegian committee deliberating models for the financing of subsistence for employees during leave of absence for educational purposes was published in August 2001. The committee's members failed to reach consensus on any of the proposed models for funding, and thus made no recommendations. The LO and YS trade union confederations want the government to rectify this failure by subjecting the issue to political consideration and resolution.
- 11 Sep 2001
United Kingdom: New EOC initiatives to combat sexual harassment<#PDF_LINK>In August 2001, the UK's Equal Opportunities Commission highlighted concerns about the experience of people complaining of sexual harassment at work and published new guidance for both employers and employees on dealing effectively with the issue.
- 11 Sep 2001
Portugal: Social partners call for self-employed drivers to be covered by working time rules<#PDF_LINK>In summer 2001, employers and trade unions in the Portuguese road transport sector called for the inclusion of self-employed lorry drivers in the scope of EU rules on working time. Employers believe that the exclusion of self-employed drivers distorts competition between larger firms - which employ drivers as employees - and small self-employed operators. Unions fear that drivers will be encouraged to become self-employed.
- 11 Sep 2001
Finland: Union bans overtime in response to job cuts at Sonera<#PDF_LINK>Sonera, the Finnish telecommunications operator, has announced that it will reduce its workforce by 10% (or 1,000 employees). In September 2001, TLL, the union representing clerical employees at Sonera, banned overtime work by its members at the company in a move aimed at revealing that there is not really a surplus of 1,000 staff at the firm.
- 07 Sep 2001
Spain: Irregular distribution of working time examined<#PDF_LINK>The irregular distribution of working time, mainly through the annual calculation of working hours, is increasingly common in Spain. It allows employees to work longer hours at periods of high demand, compensated for by shorter hours at other times. We review the extent and nature of collectively agreed provisions on this issue in 2000, drawing on recent surveys, and outline the views of the social partners.
- 07 Sep 2001
Greece: Recent legislative developments in equal opportunities<#PDF_LINK>The second half of 2000 and first half of 2001 saw a number of changes to the legislative framework on equal opportunities for women and men in Greece. A new law has introduced a quota system in public sector governing councils, administrative boards and collective bodies, while the Constitution has been amended to allow for positive measures to promote equality between women and men.
- 07 Sep 2001
Finland: Sonera announces major job cuts<#PDF_LINK>In August 2001, the Finnish telecommunications operator Sonera - of which the government is the main shareholder - announced that it would cut its workforce by 10%, to the shock of its employees. The job cuts are seen as reflecting a crisis in the whole sector, arising the recent auction by many European governments of expensive 'third-generation'mobile telecommunications licences
- 07 Sep 2001
Netherlands: Occupational pension fund issues still controversial<#PDF_LINK>In 2001, high occupational pension fund yields have once again prompted discussions in the Netherlands on the allocation of reserves. Pensioners have voiced the loudest opposition to returning fund surpluses to companies at a time when their pensions are lagging behind wage growth. The pensioners also complain about their lack of influence in the management of pension funds, which are traditionally jointly managed by the social partners. In the future, higher pension contributions may exert pressure on collective bargaining and possibly lead to government intervention in pension schemes.
- 07 Sep 2001
Portugal: New rules for fixed-term contracts<#PDF_LINK>In August 2001, a change to the legislation on fixed-term contracts came into effect in Portugal. One of the aims of the law, which establishes new rules governing the conclusion and termination of such contracts, is to ensure that employees who, de facto, have permanent jobs can benefit from a standard open-ended employment contract.
- 07 Sep 2001
Portugal: Social partners discuss equality bargaining<#PDF_LINK>During summer 2001, the Portuguese social partners held a number of seminars to discuss the issue of including gender equality matters in collective bargaining. Notably, attempts were made to outline new bargaining strategies to eliminate wage inequality between men and women.
- 06 Sep 2001
Denmark: Professional staff work substantial additional hours<#PDF_LINK>Danish professional staff work many more hours than the standard 37-hour week. A study published in summer 2001 indicates that, for example, many engineers and information technology experts work 50 hours or more a week. In most cases, such overtime does not attract additional pay, and the phenomenon is widely seen as a newfashionabletrend. Working overtime has, it is claimed, become a newlifestyle, seen as a sign of responsibility, importance and prestige. The problem - for the employees as well as trade unions - is that voluntary extra working hours may undermine the pay and other employment conditions fixed by collective agreements.
- 06 Sep 2001
Belgium: SABENA saved again<#PDF_LINK>The two largest shareholders of the troubled Belgian national airline, SABENA - the Belgian government and the Swiss company Swissair - reached a new agreement on 18 July 2001. The deal provides for a capital injection of EUR 430 million spread over two years. Furthermore, Swissair no longer considers itself bound by its commitment to become a majority shareholder in SABENA. The trade unions involved fear that an announced restructuring plan, whose details are not yet known, will lead to mass redundancies.
- 06 Sep 2001
EU Level: Commission issues working paper on employee financial participation<#PDF_LINK>A European Commission working paper on employee financial participation was published in late July 2001. The Commission is asking all interested parties for their views on this subject, in order to form the basis for a Communication and action plan.
- 06 Sep 2001
Finland: No charges brought against Finnish managers in Fujitsu-Siemens case<#PDF_LINK>In August 2001, the Finnish public prosecutor decided not to bring charges against the Finnish managers of Fujitsu-Siemens concerning intentional or negligent violation of the Cooperation Act's provisions on negotiations with workers' representatives. He could not find enough evidence that they could have known of the group management's aims to close down a computer factory in Finland before the personnel were informed of the decision in December 1999. Even though the criminal proceedings have now failed, a civil action brought by trade unions will still continue in court.
- 06 Sep 2001
France: Second meeting on future of healthcare system brings few answers<#PDF_LINK>In July 2001, France's Minister of Employment and Solidarity held a second meeting on the future of the healthcare system, bringing together experts, healthcare professionals and social partner representatives. The context is a rising level of health expenditure and problems in areas such as relations between healthcare professionals, the state and sickness insurance funds. Despite the pressing nature of the issues at stake, the meeting produced relatively few concrete results.
- 06 Sep 2001
France: Collective bargaining in 2000 assessed<#PDF_LINK>French collective bargaining thrived in 2000. While the amount of national intersectoral bargaining remained relatively stable, there was a considerable increase in sector-level bargaining, particularly at regional and département levels. Company-level bargaining activity again showed a marked increase in 2000, comparable with that witnessed the year before. These are the main findings of the Ministry of Employment and Solidarity's annual bargaining report, issued in June 2001.
- 06 Sep 2001
Luxembourg: Substantial increases in private sector pensions agreed<#PDF_LINK>In July 2001, at a wide-ranging round-table meeting on the issue of private sector pensions in Luxembourg, the political parties and trade unions agreed, against the employers' wishes, on substantial increases in private sector pensions. These increases were accompanied by family policy measures supporting women who have brought up children.
- 06 Sep 2001
United Kingdom: Trade unions and equality in employment<#PDF_LINK>According to the Equal Opportunities Commission's Equal Pay Task Force, pay discrimination accounts for up to half of the gender pay gap in the UK. Its February 2001 report recommended joint working between trade unions and employers as one means of reducing pay discrimination. This feature discusses the implications of the report for trade unions and highlights recent research into the connection between unionisation and equal opportunities at the workplace.
- 06 Sep 2001
Belgium: Changeover from career breaks to time creditsproves complex<#PDF_LINK>On 1 January 2002, a system of 'time credits' will be introduced in the Belgian private sector, partially replacing the old system of career breaks. This is a pet subject of the Minister of Labour, Laurette Onkelinx, that was adopted by the social partners in the 2001-2 intersectoral agreement and put into practice by a February 2001 national collective agreement. The partial transition from the old to the new system is leading to confusion and uncertainty, however - a situation which employers find unacceptable.