September 2002
- 30 Sep 2002
EU Countries: Industrial relations in the EU Member States and candidate countries<#PDF_LINK>This overview compares some key aspects of industrial relations systems in the 15 current EU Member States and the 10 candidate countries for membership likely to be the first to join from 2004 onwards. It focuses on the social partners, collective bargaining and employee participation. The overview also provides some basic comparisons between the current Member States and the candidate countries in terms of labour markets, pay, working time and employment/working conditions.
- 30 Sep 2002
EU Countries: Corporate governance systems and the nature of industrial restructuring<#PDF_LINK>Industrial restructuring is an important feature of all European economies. However, patterns of restructuring vary from country to country, and this EIRO comparative study examines one source of these differences - national systems ofcorporate governance(ie the set of mechanisms that control and influence senior management). It seeks to shed light on the relative influence of employees and of shareholders on managerial restructuring decisions , and to link this to key tendencies and developments in restructuring. The study describes the key aspects of the corporate governance systems in the 15 EU Member States and Norway (also assessing any convergence in these systems), and the main provisions concerning employee representation in restructuring. It then aims to identify the main patterns concerning the link between restructuring on the one hand and the national systems of corporate governance and employee representation on the other.
- 30 Sep 2002
Portugal: Unions set out demands for 2003<#PDF_LINK>In September 2002, Portugal's two main trade union confederations presented their demands for 2003, at a time when the government is seeking to control the public deficit against the background of a sluggish economy, and when a fierce battle is underway over proposals for labour law reform. The unions' agendas include real increases in pay and pensions,qualityemployment, improvements in social security and measures to combat fraud and tax evasion..
- 30 Sep 2002
Slovakia: Equal opportunities programme implemented<#PDF_LINK>In March 2001, the Slovak government adopted aConcept on equal opportunities for women and men- the country's first comprehensive elaboration of the gender equality issue. The document set out a range of measures, including initiatives relating to equal opportunities in the labour market and reconciliation of work and family life. The first report on the implementation of the programme was submitted in April 2002.
- 29 Sep 2002
Italy: Social partners discuss government's economic policy<#PDF_LINK>During September 2002, the Italian social partners and political parties conducted a wide-ranging debate on the government's economic policy. The measures drawn up by the centre-right government to fight inflation and address the deteriorating public finances have been criticised by the social partners, which are demanding a clear intervention to foster economic growth. The Cisl and Uil trade union confederations, in particular, have stressed the need for full implementation of the recentPact for Italy. The Cgil union confederation has expressed strong criticisms of government's policy and called a general strike for 18 October.
- 29 Sep 2002
Italy: Social concertation and labour market policies in Lombardy<#PDF_LINK>July 2002 saw the approval of a set of labour market projects drawn up jointly by the government of Italy's Lombardy region, the regional social partners and other local organisations, under aPact for the development of the economy, work, quality and social cohesion in Lombardysigned in September 2001. The projects include the provision of services to workers employed on non-standard contracts, support for immigrant workers, initiatives to improve the labour market situation of women, and initiatives to increase workplace health and safety.
- 29 Sep 2002
Poland: Social labour inspection examined<#PDF_LINK>Under Polish labour law, companies with trade union representation have asocial labour inspection- employee health and safety representatives with a range of rights. The aim of the inspectors is to protect employees’ rights and ensure proper working conditions. We examine the organisation and operation of this institution in 2002.
- 28 Sep 2002
Ireland: Effectiveness of 'right to bargain' law questioned<#PDF_LINK>Although the so-calledright to bargainprovisions introduced by Ireland's Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2001 are in their infancy, doubts have started to arise within the trade union movement as to their effectiveness in securing union recognition. When talks commence on a new national agreement in late 2002, the issue is sure to figure at some stage. This feature provides an update on the latest developments in this area.
- 28 Sep 2002
Finland: Unions seeking better redundancy protection<#PDF_LINK>In the autumn 2002 incomes policy negotiations, Finnish trade unions are seeking better compensation for, and protection against, collective redundancies. They claim that the cost for employers of making employees redundant in Finland is among the lowest in Europe. Employers are opposed to any changes.
- 28 Sep 2002
Germany: DaimlerChrysler establishes World Employee Committee<#PDF_LINK>In July 2002, management and employee representatives at DaimlerChrysler agreed to establish a World Employee Committee, a formal representative body for employees and trade unions across the company's global operations. The agreement aims to improve the exchange of information between employee representatives in different countries, and between employee representatives and management.
- 28 Sep 2002
Denmark: Broadcasting strike settled<#PDF_LINK>In mid-September 2002, journalists at Denmark's DR broadcasting company returned to work after a four-week strike. The key issue in the dispute was the introduction of a new, more individualised pay system.
- 26 Sep 2002
Italy: New legislation regulates immigration<#PDF_LINK>New legislation to regulate immigration into Italy came into force in August 2002, and a decree on procedures for regularising the situation of illegal immigrants already in the country was adopted in September. The centre-right government's new immigration legislation has been criticised by both trade unions and employers' organisations.
- 26 Sep 2002
France: Bill issued on wages, working time and job creation<#PDF_LINK>After meeting with social partner representatives over the summer, François Fillon, France's Minister for Social Affairs, Labour and Solidarity, presented a bill to the cabinet on 18 September 2002. The bill coverswages, working time and job creationand is to be debated in parliament from October onwards. The proposed new law would lay down a structure for the harmonisation of the various levels of the SMIC minimum wage by July 2005, introduce flexibility into the 35-hour week by increasing the annual overtime quota, and overhaul the system of reductions in employers’ social security contributions.
- 25 Sep 2002
Poland: Privatisation and industrial relations<#PDF_LINK>Since it began in 1989, privatisation has transformed the Polish economy, with large numbers of state-owned enterprises passing into private hands. This feature examines the privatisation process up to 2002, outlining the methods used, the extent of changes in ownership, the public perception of the process and the effects on industrial relations.
- 25 Sep 2002
EU Level: Commission initiates five-year review of European employment strategy<#PDF_LINK>In July 2002, the European Commission issued an assessment of the European employment strategy, five years after the strategy was launched. The assessment is generally a positive one, although the Commission maintains that a range of weak areas still need to be addressed.
- 25 Sep 2002
France: Gender inequality in both pay and pensions<#PDF_LINK>Two statistical studies published in France in summer 2002 indicate that gender inequality is enduring and resistant to change. Gender pay inequality is still a reality and has even been exacerbated over the last 20 years (principally due to the growth in part-time work). Similarly, in terms of retirement pensions, parity has still not been achieved, with women’s pensions still clearly trailing men’s.
- 24 Sep 2002
Sweden: Little pay difference between private and public healthcare<#PDF_LINK>A study from Statistics Sweden, published in May 2002, finds that pay in the Swedish private healthcare sector is generally around same level as in the public healthcare sector (though the situation varies between different occupational groups). This seems to contradict a general view that private sector healthcare pay is higher. The study also examines gender wage differentials.
- 24 Sep 2002
Finland: Corporate social responsibility becoming significant issue in working life<#PDF_LINK>In 2002, Finnish debate on the issue of corporate social responsibility (CSR), which has been underway for some years, was intensified by the European Commission's Green Paper on the topic and the activities of the Finnish Business & Society CSR network. The social partners are participating in anethical forum, which promotes the idea of CSR.
- 24 Sep 2002
Spain: Government toughens policy on labour immigration<#PDF_LINK>In autumn 2002, the Spanish government is seeking to introduce a tougher immigration policy and a reform of the Law on Foreign Persons. It aims to restrict the granting of residence permits for settled immigrants, reduce immigration for family reunification purposes and increase penalties for trafficking in labour and the recruitment of illegal immigrants. However, the evidence suggest that the government's current policy of quotas for immigrant workers has failed to control illegal immigration.
- 24 Sep 2002
Belgium: Agreement on protection of employees' on-line privacy<#PDF_LINK>In April 2002, social partner representatives on Belgium's National Labour Council signed a national collective agreement on the protection of the private lives of employees with respect to controls on electronic on-line communications data. The agreement - thought to be the first such initiative in Europe - endeavours to reconcile the privacy of employees with the right of employers to control such data.
- 24 Sep 2002
Denmark: Government liberalises unemployment insurance funds<#PDF_LINK>From September 2002, a new law permitting cross-sector unemployment insurance funds in Denmark - in addition to the existing trade union-run sectoral funds - has made it possible for employees to choose freely between funds. The result will be increased competition for members between funds, which may lead to structural changes and aprice war.
- 24 Sep 2002
Netherlands: Latest developments in strikes<#PDF_LINK>The limited number of strikes in the Netherlands goes hand in hand with a relatively high number of court cases, as indicated by this feature, which examines statistics on strikes in 2001 and relevant case law in 2001 and the first half of 2002. In August 2002, the Council of Europe criticised the high level of court intervention in strikes in the Netherlands.
- 24 Sep 2002
Norway: Public committee outlines future direction of new pensions system<#PDF_LINK>A public committee issued its preliminary report on the future of the Norwegian pensions system in September 2002. It sets out a number of principles on which a reform of the present system should be based, and outlines two different models for a future system. The report will provide the basis for debate in parliament.
- 23 Sep 2002
Germany: Sweeping modernisation of labour market policy proposed<#PDF_LINK>August 2002 saw the publication of the report of the Hartz Commission, appointed by the German government to make proposals for a comprehensive solution to Germany's persistent unemployment problem. The commission has proposed a programme that, if implemented, will bring about the most sweeping reform of Germany's labour market policy for decades. The stated objective of the commission is to halve the current unemployment figure of 4 million within three years. The government is planning to implement the proposed strategy, which has received a mixed response from the social partners.
- 23 Sep 2002
Finland: Social partners preparing for next incomes policy agreement<#PDF_LINK>Discussions on Finland's next incomes policy agreement started in late summer 2002, with formal negotiations to be held before the current deal expires at the end of the year. The central social partner organisations have announced their aim to conclude a two-year agreement which would support employment. The present economic recession is likely to dampen the trade unions' wage demands.
- 23 Sep 2002
Poland: Employers’ organisations examined<#PDF_LINK>Employers’ organisations are relatively new feature of Polish industrial relations, having appeared only in 1990s. Initially, because of organisational weakness, they were not able to play as important a role as trade unions did. However, employers’ organisations are now becoming stronger, mostly as a result of a new legal framework and of economic changes. This article examines the position in 2002, outlining the legal situation, the main organisations and their role in industrial relations.
- 23 Sep 2002
United Kingdom: Impact of collective bargaining on workplace performance assessed<#PDF_LINK>The presence of trade unions and the collective bargaining relationships in place in a workplace have little effect on its performance, according to a UK study published in May 2002. The study maps collective bargaining arrangements and examines their links with two measures of performance - the quality of the employee relations climate and perceptions of financial performance.
- 23 Sep 2002
Spain: Some progress in bargaining on equal opportunities and reconciling work and family life<#PDF_LINK>According to information published in summer 2002, there was some progress in the treatment of equal opportunities between men and women and reconciling work and family life in collective bargaining in Spain in 2001. In particular, new legal regulations on reconciling work and family life were implemented and in some cases improved upon. Though the collective agreements dealing with these subjects are still few, they may reflect a more profound change in awareness of these issues.
- 23 Sep 2002
Austria: Government plans to reform part-time work scheme for older employees<#PDF_LINK>The Austrian government introduced a scheme to facilitate part-time work among older employees in January 2000, since when increasing numbers of workers have participated. Since the cost of this measure to favour the labour market participation of older people has exceeded all expectations, in autumn 2002 the government announced plans to amend the relevant legislation in order to reduce the number of workers who are eligible, in line with the recommendations from experts.
- 23 Sep 2002
Germany: Number of vocational training places offered by employers declines<#PDF_LINK>According to figures published in September 2002, the number of vocational training places offered by German firms has fallen significantly (by 7.3% over a year), and 137,000 young people are still looking for an apprenticeship. In August, the government-appointed Hartz Commission issued proposals for a radical reform of the labour market, including measures to increase the number of training places and cut youth unemployment.
- 18 Sep 2002
Hungary: National-level tripartite forums reformed<#PDF_LINK>In July 2002, on the initiative of the Hungarian government, together with the social partners, an agreement was concluded to renew the national-level tripartite dialogue within the framework of a re-established National Interest Reconciliation Council.
- 17 Sep 2002
EU Countries: Low-wage workers and the 'working poor'<#PDF_LINK>Low pay continues to be a feature of employment throughout Europe, with around one in seven employees in the EU estimated to have a low wage - though definitions vary considerably. Furthermore, there has been increasing attention in recent years to the phenomenon of theworking poor. This EIRO comparative study looks at the extent of low-paid employment and working poverty across the EU and Norway, highlighting the different definitions used, and examines the factors that lead to low pay. It then sets the issue in its industrial relations context, examining the role of minimum pay systems, set by law or collective agreement, and of trade union bargaining strength, in influencing the extent of low pay.
- 16 Sep 2002
Belgium: 50 years of the National Labour Council<#PDF_LINK>Belgium's bipartite National Labour Council celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2002, and we take this opportunity to examine its history, composition, role and future challenges. The Council has extensively demonstrated its importance in the field of social dialogue and concertation over the years, and is now facing new challenges as the state attempts to make its mark on the social dialogue.
- 16 Sep 2002
Portugal: Fatal accidents at work under debate<#PDF_LINK>In August 2002, a succession of fatal accidents at work in the construction industry led to considerable debate in Portugal, which has the EU's highest rate of such accidents. The government is preparing legislation to bring safety regulations for the building industry up to date, while trade unions are calling for more inspection of compliance with the current legislation and for implementation of the tripartite agreement on working conditions and health and safety signed in 2001.
- 16 Sep 2002
Portugal: Public sector reforms contested<#PDF_LINK>In August 2002, the implementation of public sector reforms in Portugal led to protests, strikes and other trade union activity in areas such as health, justice, education and local administration. Trade unions are considering calling a general strike in the autumn.
- 12 Sep 2002
Greece: Three-year agreement signed for security personnel<#PDF_LINK>In July 2002, a new sectoral collective agreement was signed for the 10,000 workers employed in enterprises providing security services and security systems in Greece. The agreement is regarded as being particularly important, because it has an unusually long term of three years, covering 2002-4, with the specific purpose of ensuring industrial peace around the Athens Olympic Games in 2004.
- 12 Sep 2002
Greece: 'Civil conscription' imposed on maritime workers<#PDF_LINK>In September 2002, the crews of Greek merchant marine ships have been subject tocivil conscriptionfor three consecutive months, after the government imposed this obligation to work in order to end a strike. As well as trade unions in the sector, the whole Greek trade union movement and a number of international union organisations, along with other political and social bodies, have opposed the imposition of this measure and demanded that it be rescinded immediately.
- 11 Sep 2002
Netherlands: Controversial ruling on dismissals<#PDF_LINK>In August 2002, a Dutch court made a controversial ruling, in interim injunction proceedings brought by trade unions, allowing more lenient dismissal rules which apply to temporary employment agencies to be applied by an information and communications technology (ICT) company, CMG, which seconds workers to other firms.
- 11 Sep 2002
Poland: All-Polish Inter-company Protest Committee established<#PDF_LINK>In July 2002, representatives of workers from a number of Polish companies facing financial crisis set up an All-Polish Inter-company Protest Committee (OMPK). This initiative grew from a protest committee set up outside the official trade unions by workers at the bankrupt Szczecin Shipyard. The new movement has been criticised by both the main trade unions and the Minister of Labour and Social Policy. OMPK has announced a set of demands, including measures to protect the national economy, and organised demonstrations, though with little success.
- 11 Sep 2002
Belgium: Central talks get off to difficult start<#PDF_LINK>The Belgian government brought the social partners together on 28 August 2002, to initiate the negotiations that trade unions and employers' organisations will officially conduct from October onwards with a view to concluding an intersectoral agreement for 2003-4. On the fringes of this meeting, statements by senior employers’ leaders on pay indexation and early retirement proved highly controversial.
- 11 Sep 2002
Slovakia: First sectoral collective agreement signed for public service employees<#PDF_LINK>In August 2003, the first sectoral collective agreement was signed for public service employees in Slovakia. The accord provides for pay increases, working time reductions, increased annual leave, enhanced redundancy payments and higher social contributions.
- 11 Sep 2002
Germany: Collective agreements signed in retail sector<#PDF_LINK>After the retail sector collective bargaining parties in Baden-Württemberg reached a new pay agreement in late July 2002, conflicts in nearly all other German retail bargaining regions were resolved in August. The agreements generally provide for pay increases of 3.1%, plus lump-sum payments.
- 11 Sep 2002
Austria: Government postpones cuts in taxes and non-wage labour costs<#PDF_LINK>Due to deteriorating medium-term prospects for the Austrian economy, and as a result of the enormous damage caused by recent flooding, the government decided in August 2002 to postpone reductions in both non-wage labour costs and company taxation originally planned for 2003. However, the Chamber of the Economy, representing business, has continued to call for action in these areas in 2003, especially in the light of the coming enlargement of the EU.
- 11 Sep 2002
Italy: Social partners divided on wages and inflation<#PDF_LINK>In August 2002, inflation in Italy started to rise. Under the country's current incomes policy, recently confirmed in the tripartitePact for Italy, pay rises in forthcoming sectoral collective bargaining should not by higher than the government's inflation forecast for 2003, which is 1.4%. Trade unions believe that, given rising inflation, pay increases at this rate will result in a cut in workers' purchasing power, and have asked the government to increase the inflation forecast. The government and employers are opposed to any such revision.
- 11 Sep 2002
EU Level: European Coal and Steel Community Treaty expires<#PDF_LINK>The European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) Treaty expired on 23 July 2002. One of the results was the winding up of the activities of the ECSC Consultative Committee (which included social partner representatives), which are to be taken on by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). To mark the occasion, the EESC held a one-day symposium on 23 July.
- 11 Sep 2002
Spain: Fatal industrial accidents increase<#PDF_LINK>The number of fatal industrial accidents in Spain increased by 10% in the first half of 2002, compared with the same period in the previous year. The social partners and government disagree over the interpretation of the figures but are all concerned about the rise in fatal accidents at work. There is some debate over Spain's methodology for recording industrial accidents, compared with that used elsewhere in Europe.
- 11 Sep 2002
Spain: National minimum wage is among lowest in EU<#PDF_LINK>According to a study published in July 2002 by the CC.OO trade union confederation, Spain's national minimum wage is one of the lowest in the European Union (only Greece and Portugal have lower rates), and represents only 40% of the average wage.
- 11 Sep 2002
France: New Europeansocial ratingagency created<#PDF_LINK>The creation of a new Europeansocial ratingagency was announced in July 2002. The agency, named Vigeo, will assess the social and environmental performance of major European companies. It is chaired by the former French trade union leader, Nicole Notat, and initially funded largely by French companies, plus one French trade union, though other investors and unions are being invited to participate. Vigeo - which has taken over the assets and expertise of ARESE, a body specialising in this field - will have a board of directors on which private companies, investors and unions are equally represented.
- 11 Sep 2002
France: Council of State rules on gender equality in civil service pensions<#PDF_LINK>On 29 July 2002, France's Council of State (its highest administrative jurisdiction) issued a ruling extending to male civil servants pension benefits previously available only to their female colleagues. The decision was based on an earlier judgment by the European Court of Justice.
- 11 Sep 2002
Norway: Incomes policy under debate<#PDF_LINK>Cost increases and redundancies following the spring 2002 wage settlement in industry placed the issue of incomes policy cooperation on the Norwegian industrial relations agenda once again in September 2002, with the government calling a meeting with the social partners to discuss the issue. While the LO trade union confederation and NHO employers' organisation have discussed measures to support crisis-hit manufacturing industry, the other union organisations have some misgivings.
- 11 Sep 2002
Norway: Government proposes relaxation of overtime rules<#PDF_LINK>In June 2002, the Norwegian government put before parliament a proposal for the relaxation of the current legislative provisions governing overtime work. Both trade unions and the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority have raised concerns about the effects of the proposed changes on the health and well-being of employees.
- 09 Sep 2002
United Kingdom: Local authority employers and unions recommend two-year pay deal<#PDF_LINK>In August 2002, negotiations over pay increases for local council employees in the UK produced proposals for a two-year package, including special provision for the lowest paid. The trade unions and the employers’ association are recommending that their members accept the deal.
- 09 Sep 2002
Ireland: Individual bargaining rights backed in recognition case<#PDF_LINK>In one of the first cases to be heard under Ireland'sright to bargaintrade union recognition legislation, in August 2002Labour Courtgave Bantry Bay Seafoods, a food company, one month to set up a grievance and disciplinary procedure for individual employees, which should provide for union representation where employees so wish.
- 09 Sep 2002
Ireland: ESB plant to close<#PDF_LINK>Ireland's state-owned electricity company, ESB, is set to move ahead with plans to close one of its six uneconomic peat-fired power stations after workers there rescinded in August 2002 an earlier decision not to engage in talks over redundancy terms.
- 09 Sep 2002
United Kingdom: TUC calls for improved holiday rights<#PDF_LINK>In August 2002, the Trades Union Congress published a report which argues that 1.25 million UK workers arelosing outon their statutory and bank holiday entitlement and urges the government to improve UK holiday provision.
- 09 Sep 2002
EU Level: 2003 designated European Year of People with Disabilities<#PDF_LINK>The European Union has designated 2003 as the European Year of People with Disabilities. A range of activities will be staged around the EU during the course of the year, with the aim of raising awareness of the position of people with disabilities, eliminating discrimination and removing obstacles to their joining and participating in the labour market.
- 09 Sep 2002
EU Level: Commission sets out strategy to promote employee financial participation<#PDF_LINK>In July 2002, the European Commission gave a boost to employee financial participation in the EU by issuing a Communication on how to promote this practice. One of its main action points is the creation of an independent working party to examine the obstacles hindering the development of financial participation.