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December 2003

• 24 Dec 2003
  Germany: Collective bargaining system under pressure

  In autumn 2003, debate on the future of the collective bargaining system became a central issue of German politics. The leading opposition political parties - CDU/CSU and FDP - presented draft bills aimed at changing bargaining law in order to give companies more freedom to depart from collectively agreed standards. While employers supported these initiatives for further decentralisation of bargaining, the trade unions organised many protests and demonstrations against possible legal intervention and defended the principle of collective bargaining autonomy. Although the red-Greengovernment also seeks more flexibility in the bargaining system, it still favours more flexible arrangements agreed by the bargaining parties themselves instead of legal changes. In December, the mediation committee of the two chambers of the German parliament adopted a joint declaration which asks the bargaining parties to agree to more opening clauses within sectoral collective agreements.

• 24 Dec 2003
  Norway: Cooperation to combat substandard employment practices in building sector

  In November 2003, a working group - made up of representatives of the social partners and relevant authorities - set up to examine substandard employment and tax practices in the Norwegian building and construction sector published its report. The report describes what are seen to be dishonest practices among some companies and subcontractors in this industry, with some even exhibiting criminal behaviour. The report outlines possible measures to combat substandard practices.

• 24 Dec 2003
  Finland: Unions hold day of action against redundancies

  On 12 December 2003, Finland's three trade union confederations - SAK, STTK and AKAVA - organised a joint day of action to express their concerns about the large-scale redundancies that have recently taken place in Finnish companies. The action included 15-minute work stoppages, street events and the collection of signatures on an appeal to the government and employers.

• 24 Dec 2003
  Belgium: Employment conference foresees creation of 60,000 jobs

  A national conference for employmentconvened by Belgian government in September 2003 brought together representatives of the various levels of government and of the social partners, with the aim of developing a series of structural measures to boost employment. The conference resulted in agreement on a number of initiatives which, it is hoped, will create 60,000 jobs. The reactions of the various participants were mixed.

• 19 Dec 2003
  Estonia: Gender equality issues examined

  The issue of equality between women and men does not yet have a very high profile in Estonia. Current legislation is inadequate and draft laws to guarantee gender equality at the workplace and beyond, linked to forthcoming EU membership, have not yet been adopted. There is a lack of relevant institutions and qualified experts on all levels. This article reviews the situation in late 2003.

• 19 Dec 2003
  Netherlands: Debate over improving productivity through innovation

  In 2003, for the third consecutive year, the Dutch economy continues to lag behind the EU as a whole. Attention is increasingly turning to improved labour productivity as a solution, especially as continuing wage moderation does not seem to be having the desired effect. A wave of relocations of high-quality production and research and development from the Netherlands to other countries has fuelled the debate, which has been prominent during 2003. The social partners and government alike see improving the Dutch climate of innovationas one of the most important factors in the drive to raise productivity. However, policy on innovation has yet to crystallise.

• 19 Dec 2003
  Spain: Gender equality slowly gaining ground in collective agreements

  A report by Spain's Economic and Social Council, published in October 2003, finds that provisions on equality between men and women are beginning to gain ground in collective agreements at sector and company level. In the opinion of the CES, the situation is modest but hopeful.

• 18 Dec 2003
  Estonia: TALO organises Estonia's first strike

  On 4 December 2003, the Estonian Employees’ Unions’ Confederation (TALO) held a one-day strike to support its demands for pay increases for education and culture workers and protest at the government’s public sector wage policy. This was the first real strike since Estonia gained its independence in the early 1990s, with only a limited number of warning strikes and other protest actions having previously been held

• 18 Dec 2003
  EU Level: Commerce social partners agree joint statement on corporate social responsibility

  In November 2003, at the end of a conference on the link between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and commerce workers’ employment conditions, the European-level social partners in the commerce sector signed a joint statement on CSR. The joint statement includes a pledge to promote CSR throughout business activities and to monitor and assess progress through a variety of means.

• 18 Dec 2003
  Sweden: Fixed-term employment remains high

  According to a report published in November 2003 by the LO trade union confederation, over 13% of Swedish employees currently have some form of fixed-term employment. Since 1990, the number of fixed term employment contracts has increased by about a third. The phenomenon particularly affects women (especially young women) and blue-collar workers. The government has not yet responded to a recommendation from a public committee that fixed-term workers should be given greater employment protection.

• 18 Dec 2003
  Finland: Study finds that 'education pays'

  The question of whether it pays to study longer or is more profitable to enter the labour market at a young age is an important question in Finland, where income redistribution via the tax system and income transfers is strong, even if studying is mainly free of fees. Research published in November 2003 finds that education does pay, as the wage level rises and the risk of unemployment falls as the level of education increases. Lifelong earnings are higher for highly educated people than for those with a low level of education.

• 18 Dec 2003
  EU Level: Tripartite social summit discusses growth and employment

  The EU-level social partners took part in an extraordinary tripartite social summitin December 2003 on the eve of the European Council meeting. They submitted a joint statement, setting out their concerns regarding the performance of the EU’s economy and labour markets, welcoming recent initiatives in the areas of growth and employment and setting out their future actions.

• 18 Dec 2003
  Denmark: Transitional scheme agreed for workers from central and eastern Europe

  In December 2003, the Danish government secured support for a political agreement which will permit people from the new EU Member States in central and eastern Europe to seek and take up work in Denmark from the first day of these countries' EU membership in May 2004. However, this is subject to a number of relatively strict conditions. A work and residence permit will be issued only for full-time work on pay and conditions equivalent to those laid down in collective agreements, and only for as long as the person concerned holds the job. In the event of dismissal, the workers concerned must return to their home country. The social partners have welcomed the agreement.

• 18 Dec 2003
  Italy: Undeclared work increases

  A series of studies published in 2003 indicates that Italy’s hiddenor irregular economy continues to grow. According to the most recent figures, 3.5 million workers out of a total labour force of around 23.5 million are irregular, a rate of around 15%. The growth of undeclared work is matched by that of the hidden economy, which is worth between 15.2% and 16.9% of GDP. The hidden economy is particularly important in the South and in certain economic sectors. The Cgil trade union confederation has called for new measures to deal with the problem.

• 18 Dec 2003
  Bulgaria: Gender equality still far from being achieved

  Although Bulgaria has transposed various items of EU legislation on gender equality, in practice women still suffer considerable discrimination in employment, with a gender-segregated labour market and a wide gender pay gap. This article reviews the situation in late 2003.

• 17 Dec 2003
  Ireland: Radical Aer Rianta partnership compactlies dormant

  The semi-state airport management company Aer Rianta’s compact for constructive participation, established in the mid-1990s, was viewed in many quarters as the most radical and wide-ranging exemplar of enterprise partnershipin Ireland to date. However, in late 2003 it appears to be dormant, or even defunct. Drawing on recent research, this article examines the main characteristics of the compact, as well as the opposition it encountered.

• 17 Dec 2003
  Ireland: Few employers using binding 'inability to pay' procedures

  As of late November 2003, over 60 inability to paycases had been notified to the Labour Relations Commission under the terms of Ireland's current national wage agreement, Sustaining Progress. Employers which claim that they are unable to pay the wage increases due under the agreement may bring a case under a procedure laid down in Sustaining Progress. Only seven of these cases have so far gone as far as the formal LRC-approved assessor stage of the process, which ultimately leads to a binding decision.

• 17 Dec 2003
  Denmark: Prospects for 2004 bargaining round examined

  In January 2004, collective bargaining is set to open in the major part of the Danish private sector covered by the DA employers' organisation and LO trade union confederation, which last negotiated in 2000. In a difficult economic and social context, the key issues in bargaining are likely to include occupational pensions, maternity/paternity leave, wages for apprentices and trainees, and working time flexibility. Following a mixed experience with the four-year agreements signed in 2000, the duration of the new agreements is set to be a major point of debate.

• 17 Dec 2003
  Ireland: Health service reform proposals face industrial relations problems

  A number of potentially explosive industrial relations flashpoints will have to be circumvented if proposals on reforming the Irish Health Service, published in October 2003, are to be implemented. This feature examines some of these problems, which include renegotiating the common employment contract of hospital consultants, and reducing the number, and working hours, of junior hospital doctors.

• 17 Dec 2003
  Germany: Metalworking employers seek more flexible working time

  Bargaining over a new collective agreement for the German metalworking sector began in December 2003. The Gesamtmetall employers’ association is seeking more room for working time flexibility at company level, allowing the local parties to conclude voluntary agreements on the length of the working week, and the attendant pay, within a corridorof 35 to 40 hours, according to their requirements. The IG Metall trade union responded with some scepticism to these proposals, though it appears to be prepared to increase further the scope for determining terms and conditions at company level.

• 17 Dec 2003
  Norway: Trade union mergers in the pipeline

  A number of trade union mergers are under consideration in Norway. In November 2003, four trade unions affiliated to the Confederation of Vocational Unions (YS) gave their go-ahead to further moves towards a possible merger in 2004. Meanwhile, within the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO), two mergers are under debate, involving a total of eight unions.

• 17 Dec 2003
  Belgium: Dispute at Belgian Red Cross

  In November 2003, representatives of the Belgian Red Cross and its trade unions signed a final agreement which ended a dispute which started between them two months earlier, following the dismissal of four workers.

• 17 Dec 2003
  EU Level: European Council fails to agree on Constitutional Treaty

  In December 2003, a European Council meeting was held under the outgoing Italian EU Presidency. The Council examined a report issued by the European Employment Taskforce, with the aim of improving implementation of the European employment strategy. However, it failed to agree on the draft EU Constitutional Treaty.

• 17 Dec 2003
  Austria: Restructuring of Austrian Federal Railways leads to strikes

  November 2003 saw major strikes organised by the GdE railworkers’ trade union at Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) - the largest-scale industrial action at the state-owned company since the Second World War. The action was a protest against the government’s plans for restructuring and splitting up ÖBB, which include changes to the railworkers' current statutory service regulations. The strike was ended by agreement to postpone possible changes to the service regulations, with management and GdE to negotiate on this issue by April 2004. The other components of the reform were enacted by the parliament in December 2003 despite criticism from many quarters.

• 16 Dec 2003
  Netherlands: Thematic feature - redundancies and redundancy costs

  This article examines the procedures and costs involved in collective redundancies in the Netherlands, as well as current trends and debate in this area, as at November 2003.

• 16 Dec 2003
  Luxembourg: Thematic feature - redundancies and redundancy costs

  This article examines the procedures and costs involved in collective redundancies in Luxembourg, as well as current trends and debate in this area, as at November 2003.

• 16 Dec 2003
  Sweden: Thematic feature - redundancies and redundancy costs

  This article examines the procedures and costs involved in collective redundancies in Sweden, as well as current trends and debate in this area, as at November 2003.

• 16 Dec 2003
  Greece: Thematic feature - redundancies and redundancy costs

  This article examines the procedures and costs involved in collective redundancies in Greece, as well as current trends and debate in this area, as at November 2003.

• 16 Dec 2003
  Belgium: Thematic feature - redundancies and redundancy costs

  This article examines the procedures and costs involved in collective redundancies in Belgium, as well as current trends and debate in this area, as at November 2003.

• 16 Dec 2003
  Norway: Thematic feature - redundancies and redundancy costs

  This article examines the procedures and costs involved in collective redundancies in Norway, as well as current trends and debate in this area, as at November 2003.

• 16 Dec 2003
  Spain: Thematic feature - redundancies and redundancy costs

  This article examines the procedures and costs involved in collective redundancies in Spain, as well as current trends and debate in this area, as at November 2003.

• 16 Dec 2003
  United Kingdom: Porter report examines UK competitiveness

  In May 2003, the government published a report on UK competitiveness commissioned from Professor Michael Porter of Harvard Business School. The report reviews the state of UK competitiveness and provides guidance to policy-makers on broad priorities to achieve sustained improvements. This article highlights its key points and government, employer and trade union reaction.

• 16 Dec 2003
  United Kingdom: New Employment Relations Bill published

  In early December 2003, the UK government published its latest Employment Relations Bill. The main aim of the new legislation is to amend the statutory trade union recognition procedure established by the Employment Relations Act 1999. Other key provisions will make changes to the existing law on ballots for industrial action and empower the government to make regulations on employee information and consultation.

• 16 Dec 2003
  EU Level: Council reaches political agreement on social security Regulation

  An EU employment and social policy Council meeting held in December 2003 reached partial political agreement on reforming Regulation 1408/71 on the application of social security schemes to workers moving within the Union. Other issues discussed included equal opportunities for people with disabilities and immigration, integration and employment.

• 15 Dec 2003
  Germany: Thematic feature - redundancies and redundancy costs

  This article examines the procedures and costs involved in collective redundancies in Germany, as well as current trends and debate in this area, as at November 2003.

• 15 Dec 2003
  Ireland: Thematic feature - redundancies and redundancy costs

  This article examines the procedures and costs involved in collective redundancies in Ireland, as well as current trends and debate in this area, as at November 2003.

• 15 Dec 2003
  Finland: Thematic feature - redundancies and redundancy costs

  This article examines the procedures and costs involved in collective redundancies in Finland, as well as current trends and debate in this area, as at November 2003.

• 15 Dec 2003
  United Kingdom: Thematic feature - redundancies and redundancy costs

  This article examines the procedures and costs involved in collective redundancies in the UK, as well as current trends and debate in this area, as at November 2003.

• 15 Dec 2003
  Slovakia: Social partners fail to agree on minimum wage increase

  On 1 October 2003, the monthly minimum wage in Slovakia was increased by 9.2%. The government unilaterally declared the increase because the social partners were unable to reach agreement through tripartite concertation. The minimum wage now represents 41.4% of the average wage. The trade unions, however, would like to see it rise to at least 60% of the average.

• 15 Dec 2003
  Slovakia: Unions continue protests against government policy

  On 26 September 2003, the Confederation of Trade Unions of the Slovak Republic (KOZ SR) called a one-hour nationwide strike which affected a number of sectors. This was the latest in a series of actions organised by unions in protest at government policy.

• 10 Dec 2003
  Austria: Social partners propose new rules on unemployment benefit entitlement

  In November 2003, the Austrian social partners jointly proposed a redefinition the provisions of reasonablenesswhich govern the conditions under which unemployed people may refuse a job offer without losing their entitlement to unemployment benefits. According to the partners' agreement, unemployed people would be forced, after 100 days of unemployment, to take up a job offered even if it is unrelated to their previous occupation. As compensation, they could refuse jobs if the pay is below a certain level. The Minister of Economy and Labour Affairs, who asked the social partners to negotiate on this matter, is expected to adopt the proposals.

• 09 Dec 2003
  Bulgaria: Industrial relations in the automotive sector

  The automotive sector in Bulgaria consists almost exclusively of the production of parts, components and accessories. This article examines the situation, in 2003, with regard to the structure of the sector, trade unions, employers' organisations and collective bargaining.

• 09 Dec 2003
  Romania: BNS trade union confederation holds congress

  In November 2003, the National Trade Union Bloc (BNS), Romania's second largest trade union confederation, held its fourth congress. As well as electing a new leadership and approving a strategy for 2003-7, delegates debated the minimum wage and BNS involvement in the political arena.

• 09 Dec 2003
  EU Countries: Industrial relations in the automotive sector

  The automotive sector, including the production of both vehicles and components, employs around 8% of the EU's manufacturing workforce. However, its significance goes beyond this, not least as a traditional stronghold of trade unions and collective bargaining, and as a major source of innovation in areas such as the organisation of production and industrial relations. This comparative study analyses the main characteristics of industrial relations in the automotive sector in the current EU Member States, Norway and four of the countries which join the EU in 2004 (Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia). It examines the key features of trade union and employer representation and collective bargaining, and of the policies adopted by companies, as well as taking a special look at the evidence of the emergence of some form of transnational industrial relations in the sector.

• 09 Dec 2003
  Slovenia: Participation through employees' councils

  Since 1993, Slovenia has had legislation in place on the establishment of elected employees' councils at company level, with a range of information, consultation, co-determination and other rights. This article sets out the rules on the establishment, composition, operation and rights of employees' councils.

• 09 Dec 2003
  Slovenia: Social partners and government discuss healthcare reform

  In November 2003, after a long period of preparation, the Slovenian government presented the outline of a healthcare reform plan to the tripartite Economic and Social Council. One of the most contentious proposals is the transfer of premiums for voluntary supplementary health insurance to the compulsory health insurance system, and the social partners and experts differ in their views on such a change.

• 09 Dec 2003
  Romania: Industrial relations in the automotive sector

  Romania has an important automotive sector, with major vehicle manufacturers including Automobile Dacia (owned by Renault), Daewoo Automobile, Roman, Aro and Rocar. This article examines the situation, in 2003, with regard to the structure of the sector, trade unions, employers' organisation and collective bargaining.

• 09 Dec 2003
  Greece: Wave of strikes hits Greece

  On 4 November 2004, the Greek Confederation of Public Servants (ADEDY) held a 24-hour strike in opposition to the government’s pay policy. This was the most widespread action in wave of strikes which has hit Greece in recent months, involving groups such as doctors and other hospital staff, professors and teachers, employees of the Civil Aviation Authority, ferry workers and construction workers.

• 09 Dec 2003
  Slovakia: National Labour Inspectorate assesses activities

  In autumn 2003, the Slovak National Labour Inspectorate published an evaluation of its activities in 2002. During the year, there was no significant improvement in occupational health and safety at enterprises overall, although the number of accidents at work did fall. Inspections also brought to light particular violations of employment standards in regions with high unemployment. The Inspectorate is seeking to become more efficient, in line with EU standards.

• 09 Dec 2003
  Netherlands: Minister of Social Affairs calls for end to specific gender equality portfolio

  In November 2003, the Dutch Minister of Social Affairs and Emancipation Policy, Aart Jan de Geus, stated that he was keen to drop the current specific government policy portfolio for gender equality. Instead, gender issues should be mainstreamed into other policy areas. The Minister asserted that Dutch women now have equality in many areas, though problems persist. Various women’s organisations have responded sceptically to the Minister's statements.

• 09 Dec 2003
  Bulgaria: New law establishes insolvency fund

  In October 2003, the Bulgarian parliament adopted a law creating a new fund to guarantee employees’ pay claims in the event of their employer's insolvency. Trade unions had demanded such a fund for many years.

• 09 Dec 2003
  Estonia: Social partners discuss undeclared wages

  In November 2003, representatives of Estonian trade unions and employers’ organisations, together with the Labour Inspectorate and the Tax Board, held a round-table meeting to discuss the widespread problem of undeclared wages, on which social security contributions and income tax are not levied. The participants called for stronger control of the implementation of relevant laws and regulations .

• 09 Dec 2003
  France: CFE-CGC holds 32nd congress

  At its 32nd congress in November 2003, France's CFE-CGC trade union confederation, which represents managerial and professional staff, discussed a medium-term strategy based on a new industrial relations modeland added value trade unionism. Jean-Luc Cazettes and Jean-Louis Walter were re-elected as president and general secretary.

• 09 Dec 2003
  Belgium: Pay talks open in French-speaking education sector

  In November 2003, the government of Belgium's French-speaking Community opened negotiations over a new collective agreement with teachers’ trade unions. The unions are demanding a 10% pay rise over the period up until 2010. It seems that it will be difficult to reach agreement on such a increase, given the Community’s reduced budgetary resources. Talks will also focus on a review of teachers’ terms and conditions of employment.

• 09 Dec 2003
  Belgium: Ryanair under fire at Charleroi

  In December 2003, the Irish low-costairline Ryanair is threatening to cease operations at Charleroi airport in Belgium if, as part of a competition probe, the European Commission decides to invalidate aid provided by the public company managing the airport and - in exchange for setting up business in Wallonia - by the Walloon government. The trade unions have simultaneously criticised Ryanair's industrial relations policies.

• 09 Dec 2003
  Poland: 'Social package' to accompany LU Polska job losses

  In summer 2003, the French-based food multinational, Danone, took the decision to close one of its plants in Poland - the LU Polska facility in Jarosław - by the end of 2004, with the loss of 460 jobs. The company has established a major social packageof financial and job-finding measures to accompany the redundancies, a very unusual move in Poland’s private sector.

• 09 Dec 2003
  Poland: Customs officers protest against transfers

  In light of Poland’s accession to the EU in May 2004, the government has embarked on a restructuring of the customs service, which includes the transfer of many customs officers to the country’s eastern border. In November-December 2003, the customs officers subject to transfer protested against their reallocation and the threat of dismissal without severance pay if they refuse to comply.

• 09 Dec 2003
  Italy: Unions hold joint protests against terrorism

  In November 2003, the regional organisations of Italy's Cgil, Cisl and Uil trade union confederations jointly organised a day of protests against terrorism in Tuscany, following accusations of collusion between some union members and the Red Brigades terrorist group. Representatives of most political parties participated in the protests, which included demonstrations in Florence, Arezzo and Pisa.

• 09 Dec 2003
  Italy: Fiom-Cgil holds strike in metalworking

  On 7 November 2003, the Fiom-Cgil trade union organised an eight-hour strike in the Italian metalworking industry as part of its campaign for the reopening of negotiations on the sector's collective agreement, which was signed in May 2003 by employers and the other two main metalworkers' unions, Fim-Cisl and Uilm-Uil. Reports differ greatly on the level of participation in the strike.

• 09 Dec 2003
  France: Five-year agreement reached on supplementary pensions

  In November 2003, French employers' associations and most trade union confederations reached an agreement on the ARRCO and AGIRC supplementary pensions schemes. This five-year agreement maintains provisions enabling retirement with a supplementary pension from the age of 60, transcribes a number of provisions contained in a recent pension reform law, and takes action to balance the budget.

• 09 Dec 2003
  France: Retirement before 60 introduced for people with long working lives

  In October 2003, the French government issued a decree stipulating the criteria for a new scheme enabling people with long working lives to retire before the age of 60, as promised in a recent pension reform law. These criteria are quite restrictive and limit the number of people who will potentially benefit from this measure. Nevertheless, 460,000 people should be eligible between 2004 and 2008.

• 09 Dec 2003
  Germany: Local agreement regulates employee exchanges among metalworking companies

  In November 2003, a local collective agreement was concluded in the Bielefeld area of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, which allows for the temporary exchange of employees among 12 metalworking companies. The agreement, one of the first of its kind, may serve as a model for similar deals elsewhere in the metalworking industry.

• 09 Dec 2003
  Luxembourg: Tripartite agreement on structural measures to tackle sickness fund deficits

  In November 2003, the Luxembourg government and social partners agreed on five structural measures aimed at tackling deficits in the budget of the country's sickness funds, which are expected from 2005 onwards. Most of the measures agreed are designed to stop employees taking sick leave without justification.

• 09 Dec 2003
  Latvia: Industrial relations in the automotive sector

  The automotive sector in Latvia consists of a number of small and medium-sized enterprises, mainly producing trailers and car components. This article examines the situation, in 2003, with regard to the structure of the sector, trade unions, employers' organisations and collective bargaining.

• 09 Dec 2003
  Norway: Budget compromise means withdrawal of temporary employment reform

  A state budget agreement for 2004 was signed on 15 November 2003 by Norway's centre-right coalition government and the opposition Labour Party. The government was forced to accept significant changes to its original budget proposal, and also to abandon a controversial proposal for a relaxation of the rules relating temporary employment.

• 09 Dec 2003
  EU Level: Directive proposed on gender neutrality in supply of goods and services

  A proposal for a new Directive on equal treatment between men and women in access to and supply of goods and services, issued in November 2003 by the European Commission, is expected to have an impact on private pension insurance provision in the European Union.

• 09 Dec 2003
  EU Level: Chemicals social partners sign joint statement on industry policy

  In November 2003, the European-level social partners in the chemicals sector signed a joint statement on the future of the industry, in the light of a new draft EU Regulation for this sector.

• 09 Dec 2003
  EU Level: European Parliament rejects port services Directive

  In November 2003, the European Parliament rejected a conciliation text of the proposal for a Directive on market access to port services, with the result that the proposal had now lapsed. This development has been welcomed by trade unions, which had feared that the proposal would have opened up the sector to workers without adequate qualifications and experience, thus endangering employment for dock workers and lowering health and safety standards.

• 09 Dec 2003
  EU Level: Unions criticise Ryanair’s industrial relations practices

  In November 2003, European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) activists from France, Spain and Italy joined protests outside the labour tribunal at Charleroi in Belgium against the Irish budget airline Ryanair. The immediate issue was the dismissal of three Ryanair employees based at Charleroi, but the trade unions claim that the company general's general industrial relations practices are poor.

• 09 Dec 2003
  EU Level: ECJ ruling on early retirement benefits

  In November 2003, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that early retirement benefits must be honoured by a new employer in the event of a transfer of undertakings.

• 09 Dec 2003
  Denmark: Health unions to leave municipal bargaining unit

  In November 2003, all but one of the health workers' trade unions belonging to the Health Cartelannounced that they are to leave KTO, the umbrella body which represents employees in the Danish municipal and county sector in collective bargaining. This will remove nearly 100,000 workers, notably including nurses, from KTO's membership. The unions in the Health Cartel now wish to conduct direct negotiations with municipal/county employers.

• 09 Dec 2003
  Denmark: Controversy over proposed unemployment benefit reform

  In November 2003, the Danish government withdrew a proposal to restrict entitlement to unemployment benefits, which had met with strong criticism from opposition political parties and the social partners. Despite amendments to the plan, it had still been rejected by opponents, with the LO trade union confederation and DA employers' organisation united in their opposition. The rules on unemployment benefits thus remain unaltered and the whole issue has been shelved for the foreseeable future.

• 09 Dec 2003
  Portugal: Agreement at Autoeuropa prevents 800 redundancies

  In November 2003, management and the workers' commission at Volkswagen Autoeuropa's car plant at Palmela, Portugal, concluded an agreement that prevents 800 redundancies threatened as a result of a fall in production. There will be a pay freeze until 2005, compensated by a guarantee of no collective redundancies before December 2005, 12 additional paid days off a year during production stoppages, a one-off payment in 2004, additional annual leave and other benefits.

• 04 Dec 2003
  Ireland: Benchmarking pay increases under threat for some groups

  Pay increases due to Ireland’s public service workers in January 2004 under both a public sector benchmarking process and the terms of the current national agreement, are in danger of being withheld from some groups.

• 04 Dec 2003
  United Kingdom: New anti-discrimination legislation takes effect

  Regulations protecting workers from discrimination and harassment at work on grounds of sexual orientation and religion or belief came into force in the UK in December 2003. The legislation is intended to implement key elements of the 2000 EU equal treatment Directive.

• 04 Dec 2003
  United Kingdom: Flexible working law causing few problems, finds survey

  Research published in October 2003 by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development finds that the statutory right for parents of young children to request flexible working, introduced in the UK in April 2003, has operated smoothly and that most employers report no significant problems in complying with the new legislation.

• 03 Dec 2003
  France: Restructuring under debate

  In November 2003, the French social partners are engaged in difficult intersectoral negotiations over social measures to accompany corporate restructuring, while the government is preparing new measures in this area and changes to the law on collective redundancies. Relations between the social partners have been strained by the proposals of the MEDEF employers' organisation on restructuring and by recommendations made in an official report.

• 03 Dec 2003
  Bulgaria: Government adopts employment strategy

  In November 2003, the Bulgarian government adopted the country's first-ever employment strategy, covering 2004-10. The strategy was drawn up by a working group of representatives of the government and social partners, and seeks to deal with labour market problems such as low employment, high unemployment and negative demographic trends. The strategy is regarded as consistent with the EU's European employment strategy.

• 03 Dec 2003
  Poland: Public sector pay examined

  Since the early 1990s, the Polish public sector has contracted significantly and its pay and conditions have changed. While the sector continues, for the most part, to offer stability of employment, there is a trade-off in the form of earnings which lower than those in the private sector. This article examines the situation in 2003 in terms of public sector pay determination and levels, as well as looking at the development of the sector over recent years.

• 03 Dec 2003
  Spain: Equal opportunities bargaining slow to develop

  Despite major advances in legislation on equal opportunities for women and men and reconciling work and family life - often due to EU Directives - collective bargaining on these issues has been slow to develop in Spain. This article examines the situation in late 2003.

• 03 Dec 2003
  Spain: Study examines women's employment in Basque Country

  In late 2003, a recent study from the tripartite Basque Economic and Social Council examines the employment situation of women in the Basque Country. While women in the Basque Country have higher employment and lower employment rates that the Spanish average, they fall far below the EU average. The report highlights some of the key issues and problems affecting women's employment.

• 03 Dec 2003
  Poland: Labour Code amended again

  In October 2003, another set of changes to the Polish Labour Code were adopted by parliament - the latest in a series of rounds of amendments in recent years. The primary objective of the new amendments is further harmonisation of Polish labour legislation with the relevant EU law. The most important issues addressed include sick leave, fixed-term employment contracts, working time, annual and childcare leave, harassment, bullying and the employment of minors.

• 03 Dec 2003
  Cyprus: Migrant workers and industrial relations

  The part played by migrant workers in the Cypriot economy and in society as a whole is increasingly becoming an issue of public debate, and in October 2003 the Pancyprian Federation of Labour (PEO) held a first conference on the issue. This article examines the number and situation of immigrant workers, the framework of law, collective bargaining and government policy, and the social partners’ position on this issue.

• 01 Dec 2003
  Finland: Finnish firms' foreign investment and employment abroad examined

  In November 2003, the Finnish government announced a reform of corporate taxation, aimed at keeping more companies and jobs in Finland in the face of international tax competition. The reform comes at a time when new statistics indicate the growing extent to which Finnish-based firms are investing and employing workers in foreign countries, often those where labour costs and taxation are lower than in Finland and which are close to major new markets.

• 01 Dec 2003
  Estonia: TALO organises one-day strike

  The Estonian Employees’ Unions’ Confederation (TALO) is to hold a one-day strike on 4 December 2004, to support its demands for pay increases for education and culture workers. The action follows the failure of negotiations over this issue with the government.

• 01 Dec 2003
  Belgium: Ford restructuring costs 3,000 jobs

  In October 2003, the European management of Ford announced that 3,000 jobs would be cut at its car assembly plant in Genk, Belgium, with Ford Europe's major financial losses cited as the immediate reason. A previously announced investment of EUR 900 million in the factory will not be made, and trade unions fear that the plant faces extinction. Negotiations are underway over a social plan to accompany the redundancies, and the company has stated that it will produce two new models at Genk.

• 01 Dec 2003
  France: Agreement signed on continuing vocational training

  In September 2003, the French social partners signed a national intersectoral agreement on employees’ lifelong access to training, thus ending negotiations which began in 2000. The accord provides for the creation of a new individual right to continuing vocational training and an increase in the financial contribution paid by employers. The agreement is particularly notable because it was signed by CGT, a trade union confederation that had not previously signed an intersectoral agreement since 1995.

• 01 Dec 2003
  France: Sickness insurance reform postponed

  France's jointly-managed sickness insurance fund is due to post a deficit of approximately EUR 11 billion in 2003. In September 2003, the government stated that a reform of the system, originally planned for autumn 2003, will be postponed for a year. In the meantime, the government has announced a series of measure aimed at stabilising the deficit at around EUR 10 billion in 2004. While the trade unions greeted the prospect of a year-long discussion and negotiation process over the reform rather circumspectly, they have all been critical of the money-saving initiatives unveiled for 2004.

• 01 Dec 2003
  France: Survey examines working conditions in civil service

  The findings of a survey conducted by the Ministry of Social Affairs, Labour and Solidarity into working conditions in the French civil service, published in October 2003, challenges many widely-held ideas about public employment and the difference between it and the private sector. Working conditions in the civil service are neither better nor worse than in the private sector, the research suggests. In terms of individual occupations, however, there are disparities between the private and public sectors, and they highlight the specific nature of the services provided by civil servants.

• 01 Dec 2003
  Norway: 'Inclusive working life' agreement prolonged despite failure to achieve objectives

  In November 2003, the Norwegian social partners and government met to review and discuss the agreement for an inclusive working lifethey concluded in 2001 with the aim of cutting sickness absence, improving the employment situation of people with disabilities and increasing the average actual retirement age. There was unanimous support for a continuation of the joint efforts, despite general recognition of a failure to achieve the desired objectives of the agreement.