November 2001
- 30 Nov 2001
EU Countries: Working time developments and the quality of work<#PDF_LINK>There has been an increasing focus in recent years at both European Union and national levels on the link between working time and quality of work. This concept, though often set out only in general terms, has come to be associated with developments such as part-time work, time accounts, family leave and sabbaticals, flexitime, teleworking and flexible retirement. This comparative study: looks at the EU-level and national debate on this issue, outlining the wide variety of governmental initiatives and the views of the social partners; examines the level and content of collective bargaining on the theme; and provides data on the extent of the take-up of a number of relevant working time arrangements. The study concludes that there appears to be a considerable gap between rhetoric and reality so far as working time developments and the quality of work are concerned. While the issue has climbed up the agenda of policy-makers and there have been significant government initiatives, collective bargaining seems to be lagging behind, with relatively few innovative agreements.
- 29 Nov 2001
Greece: New law regulates temporary agency work<#PDF_LINK>In October 2001, the Greek parliament passed a new law on employment services, which includes provisions regulating temporary agency work and the operation of temporary employment agencies. The new legislation for the first time lays down specific rules on the establishment, operation and obligations of agencies and the employment rights of temporary agency workers
- 29 Nov 2001
Norway: Union density and labour market participation among immigrant workers examined<#PDF_LINK>Figures published by Statistics Norway in 2001 show that labour market participation amongnon-westernimmigrants in Norway is still low. However, recent survey data indicate that, contrary to common belief, union density among these immigrant workers is in some sectors as high as, and even higher than, that of indigenous workers.
- 29 Nov 2001
France: French social partners debate future of European Union<#PDF_LINK>During 2001, French trade unions and employers' associations have participated in a country-wide debate over the future of the European Union. The process included the adoption of an opinion on the issue by the Economic and Social Council, on which the social partners are represented, in October.
- 29 Nov 2001
Denmark: Unions and employers set out demands for public sector bargaining round<#PDF_LINK>Spring 2002 will see the negotiation of new collective agreements in the Danish public sector and in November 2001 the parties set out their demands and positions. The trade unions' demands appear to be rathertraditional- notably increased real wages, linking of public sector wages to private sector pay developments, and morespecial holidays. The public employers are demanding more flexibility in working hours, a reduction of the part-time work scheme for older workers, and greater importance for decentralised negotiations.
- 29 Nov 2001
Norway: Supreme Court rules against closed shop<#PDF_LINK>In November 2001, the Norwegian Supreme Court made a landmark ruling on closed-shop arrangements in collective agreements. The court stated that such arrangements, whereby employment is conditional upon employees' or job applicants' trade union affiliation, are in breach of paragraph 55A of the Act relating to Worker Protection and Working Environment (AML), as well as existing practice in connection with the European Social Charter.
- 27 Nov 2001
Italy: Dispute over procurement of railway cleaning services<#PDF_LINK>A dispute between the Italian State Railways (FS) and the trade unions broke out at the beginning of September 2001, when the company issued calls for tenders to contract out cleaning services. According to the unions, the calls for tenders guarantee neither the application of the sectoral collective agreement for outsourced services in the railway sector, nor the employment of the present 12,000 cleaning workers. FS responded to criticism by stressing that EU rules on procurement in the transport sector require the issuing of a call for competitive tenders. The dispute has led to strikes and demonstrations, including a two-day stoppage on 5-6 November.
- 27 Nov 2001
Netherlands: Job losses and new rules on employment conditions in temporary work agencies<#PDF_LINK>During October 2001, the Dutch temporary agency work market (Europe's largest) started to suffer as the economy entered difficulties, with agencies experiencing falls in profits and announcing job cuts. Meanwhile, the social partners within the Labour Foundation agreed a set of recommendations to address the problem of the relationship between specific collective agreements for the temporary agency work sector and those applying in user companies. The Foundation has produced a more exact definition of when the pay and conditions set by temporary agency work sector agreements apply, and when they are superseded by those in the sectoral agreement covering the user company.
- 27 Nov 2001
France: Vocational training talks break down<#PDF_LINK>After a 10-month process, talks between the French social partners on vocational training reform, which formed part of their overhaul of industrial relationsproject, ended in failure in October 2001. The trade unions and employers' organisations were unable to reach agreement on the distribution of the burden of training costs to be borne by employers and employees. Discord on the employers' side was a major factor in the demise of the talks.
- 21 Nov 2001
Germany: IG Metall presents first findings of itsdebate on the future<#PDF_LINK>In October 2001, the German metalworkers' trade union IG Metall presented the findings of a major survey of employees' attitudes on the future of work and unions and other related matters, conducted as part of the first phase of the union'sdebate on the future. Together with selected research findings and recommendations from research institutes, the empirical results of the survey have been compiled in a report which will provide the basis for further debates and strategic decisions.
- 21 Nov 2001
Luxembourg: Draft bill presented on new union representativeness rules<#PDF_LINK>In late October 2001, the Luxembourg Minister of Labour presented a draft bill redefining the concept ofrepresentativetrade unions (representative status brings unions various rights, such as concluding collective agreements). The move is a response to court rulings which overturned existing practice by awarding a sectoral trade union nationally representative status.
- 21 Nov 2001
Sweden: Planned merger of four white-collar unions continues<#PDF_LINK>In 2001, four Swedish white-collar trade unions decided to continue work on a planned merger, possibly to commence in 2002. The merger would create a single union with some 500,000 members in the public and private services, affiliated to the Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees (TCO).
- 21 Nov 2001
Portugal: Strikes over postal workers' working time<#PDF_LINK>A national campaign of industrial action has been organised for November-December 2001 by trade unions representing delivery workers at Portugal's CTT postal service. The unions are calling for the replacement of the current system whereby the working day of employees is split into two parts with a continuous working system. Unions have made this demand for a number of years, but negotiations have been difficult: the company believes that the issue should be negotiated as part of more general talks on job and working time flexibility for all CTT employees.
- 21 Nov 2001
Portugal: Study analyses earnings of technical and scientific staff<#PDF_LINK>A study published in November 2001 analyses official statistics on the earnings of technical and scientific staff in Portugal. It finds that the differential between the salaries of employees with different level of qualifications is decreasing. Furthermore, while there is a discrepancy between the earnings of male and female technical and scientific staff, the gap is narrowing.
- 21 Nov 2001
Sweden: Tripartite talks launched on improving health at work<#PDF_LINK>In November 2001, the Swedish government launched tripartite talks with the social partners on the issue ofincreased health in working life, against a background of increasing levels of sickness absence. The talks will seek to put into effect an 11-point programme drawn up by the government.
- 21 Nov 2001
Norway: SAS given green light to take over Braathens<#PDF_LINK>In October 2001, the Norwegian Competition Authority approved a bid by SAS to purchase the ailing Norwegian airline Braathens. Management, employees and trade unions at Braathens welcomed the Authority's decision. Meanwhile, its own problems and the crisis in the international airline industry have resulted in Braathens announcing workforce reductions. SAS is likely to follow suit.
- 20 Nov 2001
Ireland: Crisis rocks Aer Lingus<#PDF_LINK>Aer Lingus, the Irish state airline, faces an uncertain future, having been hit by a severe crisis following the attacks on the USA on 11 September 2001. Company management has responded by proposing a draconian cost-cutting plan, incorporating extensive redundancies, wage freezes, changes in working practices and productivity improvements. The crucial issue, in terms of trade union and worker 'acceptance' of the plan, is whether a sufficiently attractive voluntary severance package can be devised. If not, conflict may ensue.
- 20 Nov 2001
Austria: Vast majority of ÖGB members vote for further protest action<#PDF_LINK>In October 2001, the Austrian Trade Union Federation (ÖGB) held a ballot of its members in an attempt to to strengthen its political position and legitimise further protest actions against government legislation. More than 800,000 union members voted and the vast majority were in favour of the six political demands proposed by ÖGB, as well as a mandate to call a strike. Nevertheless, ÖGB is primarily seeking to convert the support of its members into renewed influence at the negotiating table.
- 20 Nov 2001
EU Level: Office staff in road transport sector excluded from working time Directive, confirms ECJ<#PDF_LINK>In October 2001, the European Court of Justice ruled that the exclusion of the road transport sector from the scope of the 1993 EU working time Directive applies to all workers employed in the sector, including office staff.
- 20 Nov 2001
EU Level: International agreement on restructuring at Danone biscuits<#PDF_LINK>A new international agreement was concluded in October 2001 by the French-headquartered food multinational Danone and the international trade union organisation for foodworkers, IUF. The accord sets out the social provisions to be applied in the context of the company's restructuring plans for its European biscuits division, announced in March 2001. It contains a number of commitments, including a pledge not to make any compulsory redundancies, to try to find new owners for sites due to close, to provide appropriate training and to guarantee salary levels for a year.
- 20 Nov 2001
Germany: Pilots and LTU airline agree rescue package<#PDF_LINK>In November 2001, the VC pilots' trade union agreed to far-reaching wage concessions in order to save the German charter airline LTU from bankruptcy. Following an earlier settlement between LTU and ver.di, the union representing ground crew and flight attendants, wage concessions were thought to be a pre-condition for any further state subsidies, as part of a joint effort to save the airline. With talks at Lufthansa, the largest German airline, still under way, unions and airlines are seeking to find the best way to bring the airline industry through its current difficulties.
- 20 Nov 2001
United Kingdom: Unions review links with 'new Labour'<#PDF_LINK>Since mid-2001, a number of UK trade unions affiliated to the Labour Party have begun to question their continued financial support for the party, particularly in the light of union opposition to the Labour government's plans for reforming public services.
- 20 Nov 2001
United Kingdom: Government, trade unions and the reform of public services<#PDF_LINK>Since the re-election of the UK's Labour government in June 2001, its plans for greater private sector involvement in the management and delivery of public services have been strongly criticised by trade unions. This feature reviews the arguments.
- 20 Nov 2001
Spain: Controversy over new universities law<#PDF_LINK>A new law on universities, introduced by the current centre-right government, has been adopted by the Spanish parliament and is likely to be passed by the Senate in November 2001. The proposed law has met with total rejection by the university community, trade unions, students' associations and opposition political parties, which see it as reducing university autonomy and worsening the employment situation of staff. A well-supported strike against the law was held on 7 November.
- 20 Nov 2001
Spain: Dispute at Ford over new collective agreement<#PDF_LINK>Negotiations over a new collective agreement for Ford's Almussafes plant in Spain have broken down in November 2001, in a dispute similar to that which occurred in the last round of bargaining in 1998. The talks have been at a standstill for four months and there may be a threat of the company transferring production in the medium term to new plants in Russia and Turkey.
- 19 Nov 2001
Belgium: Dispute erupts in Flemish education sector<#PDF_LINK>Teachers in the Flemish education system went on strike for three days in October 2001. The trade unions involved were protesting against the plan of the Flemish Minister of Education, Marleen Vanderpoorten, to increase the early retirement age for teachers from 55 to 58 years. Her stated aim is to address teacher shortages
- 19 Nov 2001
Denmark: New agreement signed on psychological working environment<#PDF_LINK>In October 2001, the Danish Working Environment Authority concluded an agreement with the DA employers' confederation and LO trade union confederation, amending an earlier administrative Order issued by the Ministry of Labour which authorises the Authority to intervene in areas relating to thepsychologicalworking environment, such as bullying and harassment. Under the new accord, local agreements may be concluded which provide that bullying and harassment are internal matters to be dealt with by employers and employees within companies, thus excluding the Working Environment Authority. The FTF white-collar union confederation would have preferred to keep the Authority as an impartial third party in this type of case.
- 19 Nov 2001
Denmark: Merger between childcare workers' unions abandoned<#PDF_LINK>In autumn 2001, members of the Danish Federation of Early Childhood Teachers and Youth Educators (BUPL) voted against a merger with the National Union of Nursery and Childcare Assistants (PML), despite recommendations in favour from the leaderships of the two trade unions. Skilled BUPL members did not want to be members of the same union as the unskilled members of PMF, and the merger has now been abandoned.
- 19 Nov 2001
Spain: UGT Catalonia compares labour market quality in Spain and beyond<#PDF_LINK>2001 saw the publication of the findings of research conducted by the Catalonian regional organisation of Spain's UGT trade union confederation, comparinglabour market qualityin the regions of Spain, along with major industrial regions elsewhere in Europe and the EU average. Using 20 employment and labour market indicators, the UGT CataloniaiQT indexputs the quality of Spain's regional labour markets behind the EU average, with the labour markets of Rhône-Alpes, Lombardy and Baden-Württemberg having the highest rankings.
- 16 Nov 2001
EU Countries: Work-related stress and industrial relations<#PDF_LINK>Stress is one of the most common work-related health problems in Europe. This comparative study examines work-related stress as an issue in industrial relations in the EU Member States and Norway. It outlines the regulatory framework, the extent to which stress is an issue in collective bargaining, and the views and actions of the social partners and public authorities. The study finds that stress is rarely dealt with specifically in health and safety legislation and is an issue in collective bargaining in only a few countries. Stress is a matter of increasing importance for trade unions and for some employers' organisations, but overall it is still aninvisibleissue in industrial relations, at least with regard to effective preventive action. There are, however, signs that this may change in future.
- 15 Nov 2001
Denmark: Lukewarm reception for government's new labour market initiative<#PDF_LINK>In October 2001, the Danish Minister of Labour launched a new proposal aimed at reorienting labour market policy. All parties sees this initiative asa step in the right direction, but none find it sufficient. It is seen more as a matter of adjustments to make some parts of the currentactivationsystem for unemployed people more flexible. The social partners are not enthusiastic.
- 15 Nov 2001
Portugal: Glass-making and home textiles industries face unemployment<#PDF_LINK>In autumn 2001, two Portuguese industries - glass-making and home textiles - are facing particular problems caused by competition from countries outside Europe, bringing company closures and the threat of unemployment. Trade unions have responded with industrial action and calls for government support.
- 15 Nov 2001
Portugal: Social partners discuss social security reform<#PDF_LINK>In autumn 2001, the Portuguese government and social partners are discussing the implementation of the basic social security law, which was approved in 2000. The themes under discussion include the formula for the calculation of old-age pensions, ceilings for income subject to social security contributions, and the financing and sustainability of the system. The social partners are considering a possible national agreement on social security.
- 15 Nov 2001
France: Introducing the 35-hour week in the central civil service<#PDF_LINK>In October 2001, three months from the January 2002 deadline for the introduction of the 35-hour week in France's central civil service, almost all ministries have worked out their national framework for working time reduction, based either on an agreement signed by trade unions or a unilateral decision by the ministry in question. The procedures followed have varied. However, some areas of contention still exist, as for instance at the Ministries of Justice and Culture.
- 14 Nov 2001
France: Precarious status quo in elections to boards of social security funds<#PDF_LINK>In September-October 2001, the French social partners appointed new members to the boards of the various jointly managed funds within the general social security scheme. The earlier decision of the MEDEF and CGPME employers' organisations to pull out of these bodies had led to speculation about major upheavals. In the event, the elections resulted in no changes in the chairs of the national funds. However, this status quo seems precarious.
- 14 Nov 2001
France: Partial takeover of Moulinex by SEB<#PDF_LINK>In late October 2001, the Nanterre Commercial Court ruled that a bid tabled by SEB provided the best financial guarantees for the takeover of the troubled French electrical household appliance manufacturing group, Moulinex. The French-based SEB - a direct Moulinex competitor - plans some 4,600 job losses throughout Moulinex's worldwide operations, including 3,700 in France. Trade unions and workers at Moulinex have expressed their hostility to this decision.
- 14 Nov 2001
Greece: Unions react strongly to shipyard accident<#PDF_LINK>A workplace accident, which claimed several lives on 20 October 2001 in Greece's Kynosoura shipyard, provoked a strong reaction from trade unions throughout Greece, including strikes, a formal complaint and an injunction against the owners of the ship concerned.
- 14 Nov 2001
Germany: New study on income of top managers<#PDF_LINK>According to a study published in autumn 2001, the overall annual income oftop managersin leading German multinational companies (including basic remuneration, bonus payments and stock options) varied between EUR 11.08 million and EUR 1.14 million in 2000.
- 14 Nov 2001
France: Unions hold demonstrations<#PDF_LINK>In response to a call launched by four of the main French trade union confederations (CFE-CGC, CFTC, CGT, and CGT-FO), but with the notable exception of CFDT, demonstrations were held all over France on 16 October 2001. The issues at the heart of the protests varied, but centred on pay, employment and social welfare.
- 14 Nov 2001
Ireland: Dublin light rail bidder agrees pre-entry union deal<#PDF_LINK>In autumn 2001, Transdev, one of the bidders for the contract to operate a new light rail system in Dublin, agreed a pre-entry recognition deal with the SIPTU trade union, to take effect if Transdev's bid is successful. The deal includes an industrial peace arrangement.
- 14 Nov 2001
Ireland: Aer Lingus begins restructuring talks as bankruptcy looms<#PDF_LINK>Restructuring talks began in November 2001 between trade unions and management at the Irish state-owned airline, Aer Lingus, which is seeking over 2,000 redundancies with the threat of closure within months if agreement cannot be reached.
- 08 Nov 2001
Italy: Strike organised in schools sector<#PDF_LINK>In negotiations over the renewal of the collective agreement for the Italian schools sector, divisions have appeared between the trade unions in late 2001. Cisl and Uil have taken a more positive approach towards a number of government concessions on funding for teachers' pay and conditions and schools reform, while Cgil has moved towards a more confrontational stance. All three unions called a strike for 12 November, but Cgil's action is more extensive and has different aims.
- 08 Nov 2001
Italy: Crisis hits Alitalia<#PDF_LINK>The crisis in the air transport sector following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the USA has hit the the Italian national airline, Alitalia, hard. The company has drawn up a restructuring plan which involves more than 5,000 redundancies. On 29 October 2001, Alitalia workers went on strike to protest against the proposals.
- 08 Nov 2001
Spain: Sintel dispute comes to an end<#PDF_LINK>In August 2001, a long-running dispute over the situation of the workforce of the Sintel telephone installation company came to an end in Spain. Following the company's bankruptcy, the workers had been made redundant with substantial unpaid wages. The government eventually came up with a re-employment and pre-retirement package which was acceptable to the Sintel workers, who had conducted a high-profile protest campaign.
- 07 Nov 2001
Greece: Labour Force Employment Organisation restructured<#PDF_LINK>In October 2001, the Greek parliament passed government legislation restructuring the Labour Force Employment Organisation (OAED), the public body responsible for employment policy and services. The changes aim to address new requirements for flexibility and swift action, not least in the context of the EU employment strategy. The reform creates a number of new bodies linked to the OAED, with social partner involvement in their administration.
- 07 Nov 2001
Norway: New centre-right government takes office<#PDF_LINK>A new centre-right government took office in Norway on 19 October 2001. Trade unions are worried that the new government will take a much more liberalising attitude on issues such as privatisation and public ownership, and are especially concerned about recent signals concerning increases in the use of competitive tendering in the state sector.
- 07 Nov 2001
Luxembourg: Parental leave being taken up, by not by men<#PDF_LINK>Luxembourg introduced parental leave in 1999. A first assessment of the scheme, published in October 2001, finds that nearly 6,000 employees took parental leave in the first two years of its existence. However, the take-up by men has been low - some 90% of those taking leave have been women. Furthermore, the job creation effect expected to flow from this measure is still weak.
- 07 Nov 2001
Finland: Committee proposes increasing paternity leave by one week<#PDF_LINK>A tripartite working group considering reforms to the Finnish parental leave system suggested in November 2001 that paternity leave should be lengthened from 18 to 25 days. The proposal has aroused mixed reactions among the social partners.
- 07 Nov 2001
EU Level: Commission issues joint report on social inclusion<#PDF_LINK>A draft joint European Commission/Council report examining the progress of EU Member States in combating social exclusion and poverty was published in October 2001. The report is part of the EU's strategy to eradicate poverty, based on theopen coordinationmethod, which involves the setting of common objectives, the drawing up of regular national action plans by the Member States, and the review of these plans by the Commission and Council.
- 07 Nov 2001
EU Level: Social partners begin teleworking talks<#PDF_LINK>Negotiations on the issue of teleworking began on 12 October 2001 between the EU-level intersectoral social partners – ETUC, UNICE and CEEP. The parties are hoping to produce a text regulating this form of working. However, one pressing issue to be resolved is the final status of the accord, as UNICE has in the past indicated that it would prefer a voluntary agreement, against the preference of ETUC for an accord which could be given legal force.
- 07 Nov 2001
EU Level: Fifth international day of action held in road transport<#PDF_LINK>Workers in the road transport sector held an international day of action on 15 October 2001. The workers were demonstrating in support of better working conditions and fewer working hours for lorry, bus and taxi drivers.
- 07 Nov 2001
EU Level: Commission proposes new Regulation on drivers' hours<#PDF_LINK>In October 2001, the European Commission issued a proposal for a new EU Regulation on the driving and rest times for drivers of heavy vehicles. It should replace an existing Regulation dating from 1985 and is intended to complement the current proposal to extend some of the protection of the 1993 working time Directive to the road transport sector.
- 06 Nov 2001
Sweden: Parental leave legislation to be reviewed<#PDF_LINK>In October 2001, the Swedish government commissioned a review of the legislation on parental leave, after a parliamentary committee found that there was probably a need to strengthen employment protection for employees taking such leave. The examination of this issue has been added to a study of labour law as it relates to job security already being conducted by the National Institute for Working Life.
- 06 Nov 2001
Italy: Strike called in public sector<#PDF_LINK>In late October 2001, the Italian government met representatives of the Cgil, Cisl and Uil trade union confederations to discuss the renewal of public sector collective agreements. The main points of disagreement concern the government's freeze on public sector recruitment, privatisation, local bargaining and the recovery of lost purchasing power. Unions called a first strike on 9 November.
- 05 Nov 2001
Italy: Government presents White Paper on labour market<#PDF_LINK>In October 2001 the Italian government presented a White Paper on the labour market. The document is a programme of the legislative and other measures that the new centre-right government intends to carry out during the next five years. The main objectives of the White Paper areto guarantee a substantial increase in the employment rate, to improve the quality of work and to obtain stronger social cohesion. The measures proposed include new forms of employment contract and a reform of collective bargaining to encourage local-level pay determination. The government will sees agreement with the social partners prior to legislating.
- 05 Nov 2001
Germany: Government proposes reform of labour market policy<#PDF_LINK>In late September 2001, the German government presented a draft bill on the reform of labour market policy, which was discussed in parliament in October. Key elements of the reform include: improved assessment of the needs of individuals in order to perform successfully in the labour market; better job placement; immediate access for unemployed people to various employment policy measures, and improved linkage between labour market policy measures and other policy areas. In addition, importance is attached in the reform to the promotion of women's employment and gender mainstreaming. The social partners have given a broad welcome to the proposals, though with a number of criticisms.
- 05 Nov 2001
Germany: Ver.di extends connexx project to attract media employees<#PDF_LINK>In September 2001, the German Unified Service Sector Union (ver.di), announced a plan to extend connexx, its successful flagship project for the media industry, until 2005. To boost the union's image among media sector employees and to improve the organised representation of employees in this industry, ver.di will increase connexx's staff and budget.
- 05 Nov 2001
Austria: Largest blue- and white-collar unions intend to merge<#PDF_LINK>In October 2001, the two most powerful affiliates of the Austrian Trade Union Federation (ÖGB), the Union of Salaried Employees (GPA) and the blue-collar Metalworking and Textiles Union (GMT), announced that they intend to merge. However, the plan drew criticism, primarily from within GPA, not least because the merged union will have a lower proportion of women members than GPA.
- 05 Nov 2001
United Kingdom: Shareholders to have right to vote on directors' pay<#PDF_LINK>In October 2001, the UK government announced that it would introduce new measures requiring quoted companies to hold annual shareholder votes on reports giving details of directors' remuneration arrangements.
- 05 Nov 2001
United Kingdom: UK reaction to European Parliament's vote to strengthen employee consultation Directive<#PDF_LINK>The decision by the October 2001 plenary session of the European Parliament to support amendments strengthening the requirements of the draft EU employee consultation Directive received a mixed reaction in the UK. Trade unions welcomed the move but employers and the UK government expressed concern at the implications of the proposed changes.
- 05 Nov 2001
Sweden: Train drivers strike for own pay agreement<#PDF_LINK>In October 2001, about 350 Swedish train drivers went on strike. The drivers, who are members of SLFF, a trade union which does not belong to Swedish Trade Union Confederation (LO), want their own collective pay agreement.
- 05 Nov 2001
United Kingdom: Job cuts hit aviation and aerospace industries<#PDF_LINK>The attacks in the USA on 11 September 2001 are already having a profound effect on the UK airline industry. This feature outlines the impact to date and discusses the broader implications for the UK aerospace industry.
- 05 Nov 2001
United Kingdom: CBI and TUC issue joint report on productivity<#PDF_LINK>In October 2001, the Confederation of British Industry and the Trades Union Congress published a joint assessment of the reasons behind the 'productivity gap' between the UK and its major competitors. This work has led to a proposal for a permanent CBI-TUC Productivity Group, which the government will consult on policy development.
- 05 Nov 2001
United Kingdom: New taskforce to advise on employment tribunal reforms<#PDF_LINK>In October 2001, the UK government announced the establishment of a taskforce to advise on the implementation of reforms to the employment tribunal system. The taskforce is due to report in spring 2002.
- 05 Nov 2001
Belgium: Controversy over right to strike<#PDF_LINK>In October 2001, the Belgian government announced a bill designed to restrict the unilateral intervention of civil courts in industrial disputes. Welcomed by the trade unions, the bill has prompted vehement criticism from the employers, and considerable hesitation in the VLD, the party in the coalition government to which Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt belongs. The VLD president has questioned the recourse to the right to strike in public services, thereby incurring the wrath of the trade union movement.
- 05 Nov 2001
Ireland: Social partners debate priorities as economy slows down<#PDF_LINK>The terrorist attacks on the USA on 11 September 2001 have added to the uncertainty that is now facing the Irish economy. The most likely scenario predicted is a short-term economic slowdown, with the economy looking set to recover in the medium term. In view of the current uncertainty, the Irish social partners have been debating their respective priorities. It remains to be seen whether the social partners can build a negotiated consensus to accommodate their priorities.
- 02 Nov 2001
Netherlands: Decentralisation of working time regulation to enterprise level assessed<#PDF_LINK>One of the goals of the Dutch Working Time Act of 1996 was to transfer decision-making on working time to the enterprise or even plant level. A survey evaluating the effects of the Act, carried out in 2000 and published in 2001, finds that the ability of employee representatives to counter management proposals in this area leaves a great deal to be desired in many enterprises. As yet, however, the government sees no reason to intervene.
- 02 Nov 2001
Portugal: Civil service pay talks start as employers propose reform of public administration<#PDF_LINK>In October 2001, annual pay negotiations began for Portuguese civil servants. A key issue is increases in real pay, given differences between government inflation targets and the actual inflation rate. The talks opened at the same time as a debate on the reform of public administration and liberalisation of public services was launched by the AEP business association, including a call for the cutting of hundreds of thousands of civil service posts.
- 02 Nov 2001
France: Moulinex: chronicle of a death foretold?<#PDF_LINK>The French-based electrical household appliance manufacturer, Moulinex, which was bought out in 2000 by the Italian group Elfi and merged with Brandt, has been slipping further and further into financial crisis since the start of 2001. Following the restructuring of Moulinex's industrial operations in late April 2001, involving 4,000 job cuts, the company decided to file for bankruptcy. In late October 2001, Moulinex was looking for a buyer and was on the brink of court-imposed liquidation.
- 02 Nov 2001
France: Unemployment begins to increase<#PDF_LINK>Unemployment in France has begun to rise again since April 2001 ending, at least temporarily, a period of robust employment performance. The government has responded by launching various new employment-support initiatives. The extent of this reversal of the trend of the previous four years will depend in part on economic policy choices, particularly at European Union level.
- 02 Nov 2001
Belgium: Government to legislate on intervention of courts in industrial disputes<#PDF_LINK>Since the 1980s, and with increasing frequency, Belgian employers have been having recourse to the courts to influence the outcome of industrial disputes. Unilateral applications by employers for penalties to be imposed on strikers have often resulted in substantial fines being imposed by the courts. The trade union movement believes that the situation has become intolerable, and that it has called the right to strike fundamentally into question. In October 2001, the federal government announced that it intended to draw up a bill to deal with the issue, putting an end to the use of unilateral applications in industrial disputes.
- 01 Nov 2001
EU Level: European Parliament calls for amendments to information and consultation Directive<#PDF_LINK>In October 2001, the European Parliament voted to support a series of amendments to the draft EU information and consultation Directive, but a crucial amendment designed to strengthen the sanctions for non-compliance with the Directive did not receive the backing of sufficient MEPs to be adopted.
- 01 Nov 2001
EU Level: Commission proposes formalising pensions cooperation<#PDF_LINK>The European Commission issued a Communication on pension strategy coordination in July 2001. Aiming to adapt Europe's pension systems to the requirements of today's labour markets and meet demographic challenges, it proposes a total of 10 objectives to be achieved by Member States. This would entail drawing up annual national strategy reports which would be evaluated by the Council and the Commission.
- 01 Nov 2001
EU Level: Joint declaration agreed on temporary agency work<#PDF_LINK>A joint declaration between the EU-level sectoral social partners in the temporary agency work sector was concluded on 8 October 2001. The signatory parties hope that the 13-point declaration will serve as a basis for an EU Directive regulating this area, following the breakdown of EU-level intersectoral negotiations on this issue.