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EU Level developments

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

  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
  EU Level: Tripartite social summit discusses growth and employment<#PDF_LINK>

  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.

• 17 Dec 2003
  EU Level: European Council fails to agree on Constitutional Treaty<#PDF_LINK>

  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.

• 16 Dec 2003
  EU Level: Council reaches political agreement on social security Regulation<#PDF_LINK>

  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.

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

  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<#PDF_LINK>

  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<#PDF_LINK>

  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<#PDF_LINK>

  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<#PDF_LINK>

  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.

• 24 Nov 2003
  EU Level: European health and safety week focuses on dangerous substances<#PDF_LINK>

  The 2003 European Week for Safety and Health at Work was held during October and focused on combating the risks of dangerous substances at work. These substances contribute significantly to the 350 million days lost through occupational ill health each year in the EU and to the 7 million people suffering from occupational illnesses.

• 24 Nov 2003
  EU Level: Commission issues action plan for people with disabilities<#PDF_LINK>

  An action plan aimed at promoting equal opportunities and social and labour market integration for people with disabilities was issued by the European Commission in October 2003. The plan, which will run from 2004 to 2010, hopes to build on the progress made by the 2003 European Year of People with Disabilities.

• 24 Nov 2003
  EU Level: Council reaches political agreement on electromagnetic fields proposal<#PDF_LINK>

  A meeting of the EU employment and social affairs Council, held in October 2003, discussed a range of topics, including a draft Directive regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from electromagnetic fields, undeclared work, immigration and open coordination in the field of social protection.

• 24 Nov 2003
  EU Level: OECD issues 2003 Employment Outlook<#PDF_LINK>

  In September 2003, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) issued its annual Employment Outlook report, in which it stresses the importance of expanding the workforce by integrating under-represented groups. It also states that additional investment in skills is required. Without progress in these areas, the report states that the prospects for economic growth in many countries will be undermined as the population ages, placing more strain on pension schemes and threatening living standards.

• 24 Nov 2003
  EU Level: Report finds that diversity policies can improve business performance<#PDF_LINK>

  A new report published by the European Commission in November 2003 looks at the issue of workforce diversity policies, assessing their costs, their benefits and the obstacles to the establishment of such policies. It makes a variety of recommendations aimed at encouraging the promotion of workforce diversity. The report has been drawn up in the context of the implementation of two new EU anti-discrimination Directives.

• 11 Nov 2003
  EU Level: Second social partner consultation on transferability of occupational pensions<#PDF_LINK>

  In September 2003, the European Commission launched the second phase of social partner consultation on the transferability of occupational pensions. In the consultation document, it sets out its thinking on a range of issues and states that, in its opinion, the most appropriate regulatory instrument would be a collective agreement at European level.

• 11 Nov 2003
  EU Level: Road transport unions call for better working time regulation<#PDF_LINK>

  On 13 October 2003, the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) held its annual international road transport day of action, around the theme offatigue kills. As part of the day of action, the European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF) called for better regulation of driving time and rest breaks for all professional drivers.

• 11 Nov 2003
  EU Level: European-level agreement in rail sector<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2003, EU-level trade union and employers' organisation in the railway sector reached agreement on a common European licence for locomotive drivers and a range of minimum social standards in the industry.

• 11 Nov 2003
  EU Level: European social dialogue launched in shipbuilding<#PDF_LINK>

  In September 2003, shipbuilding became the latest sector to launch a formal social dialogue at European level, with the creation of a dialogue committee under the auspices of the European Commission. The social partners in this industry hope to examine a range of issues within this framework, including employment, restructuring, competitiveness and lifelong learning.

• 29 Oct 2003
  EU Level: European Economic and Social Committee adopts opinion on revision of EWCs Directive<#PDF_LINK>

  In September 2003, the EU’s European Economic and Social Committee approved an opinion on the experience to date of the European Works Councils Directive and its possible revision. This feature highlights the key points and potential significance of the opinion.

• 27 Oct 2003
  EU Level: Commission issues Employment in Europe 2003 report<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2003, the European Commission issued in its latest annual Employment in Europe report. This comprehensive document looks at labour market developments during 2002 and, in some cases, over a longer time-scale. It focuses on a range of areas, including employment growth, productivity growth, skills, labour market mobility, flexibility and security, quality in work, older workers and immigration.

• 27 Oct 2003
  EU Level: New report examines equality, diversity and enlargement<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2003, the European Commission published an independent report on the progress made in putting into place anti-discrimination legislation in the countries due to join the European Union in the coming years, in response to the EU Directives on the issue. The study finds signs of progress with regard to the drafting and adoption of anti-discrimination legislation in many countries, but notes that all of the countries must do more before accession.

• 08 Oct 2003
  EU Level: Social partners issue position on EU coordination of social protection<#PDF_LINK>

  In September 2003, the EU-level social partners issued a joint position on European Commission proposals for better and more visible coordination of social protection at European Union level.

• 08 Oct 2003
  EU Level: ECJ rules that on-call working is working time<#PDF_LINK>

  In September 2003, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that time spent by a doctor working in a hospital on an on-call basis constitutes working time in its entirety, even if the employer provides a place of rest for the employee to use when not actively engaged in their duties.

• 08 Oct 2003
  EU Level: Orkla Media extends EWC to Polish operations<#PDF_LINK>

  In September 2003, the media division of the Norwegian-based multinational, Orkla, extended its European Works Council to employees working in its Polish operations.

• 12 Sep 2003
  EU Level: ECJ Advocate-General issues opinion on social security benefit<#PDF_LINK>

  In July 2003, a European Court of Justice Advocate-General issued an opinion stating that Community law does not require a Member State to pay a social security benefit to EU citizens seeking work in a Member State with which they have no connection.

• 26 Aug 2003
  EU Level: 2003 employment guidelines and recommendations adopted<#PDF_LINK>

  The 2003 EU employment guidelines and employment policy recommendations to the Member States were adopted in July 2003. Following changes to the European employment strategy, the timing of the process and the contents of the guidelines and recommendations have been modified in 2003. The employment guidelines now focus on 10 policy priorities, rather than grouping a larger number of guidelines under four pillars as was previously the case, and set concrete targets for most of them.

• 18 Aug 2003
  EU Level: European code of conduct signed in private security sector<#PDF_LINK>

  In July 2003, the European-level social partners in the private security sector signed a code of conduct, aimed at raising standards and guaranteeing a high level of professional ethics in the industry's firms. The code will also apply to companies in the new Member States joining the EU from 2004.

• 18 Aug 2003
  EU Level: Social policy provisions of draft EU constitutional Treaty examined<#PDF_LINK>

  In July 2003, a draft EU Constitutional Treaty was presented by the European Convention. The new Treaty, which will repeal existing Treaties once it comes into force, has a number of implications for the future social and employment policy of the EU. This article examines the main changes proposed.

• 06 Aug 2003
  EU Level: ETUC outlines demands to Italian Presidency<#PDF_LINK>

  The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) issued a memorandum to the incoming Italian EU Presidency in July 2003. The memorandum sets out ETUC’s concerns and demands for action over the next six month in a range of areas, including social and employment policy.

• 06 Aug 2003
  EU Level: Informal social affairs Council looks at undeclared work<#PDF_LINK>

  An informal employment and social affairs Council, the first under the Italian EU Presidency, was held in July 2003. Ministers discussed a range of issues, including undeclared work and streamlining EU social policy within the Lisbon employment and economic strategy.

• 31 Jul 2003
  EU Level: Draft EU Constitution presented to Thessaloniki Council<#PDF_LINK>

  The draft of an EU constitutional Treaty was presented to the European Council summit held in Thessaloniki in June 2003. The proposed Treaty, which incorporates the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, will now form the basis for the work of an Intergovernmental Conference, which should produce a final text. The Thessaloniki Council also endorsed the EU's 2003 Broad Economic Policy Guidelines and Employment Guidelines.

• 31 Jul 2003
  EU Level: Italian Presidency sets out priorities<#PDF_LINK>

  The Italian government holds the EU Presidency in the second half of 2003. In the employment and social field, its priorities include achieving a fair balance between flexibility of the labour market and social security, progress towards reform of pension systems, and the promotion of equal opportunities. A highlight of the Presidency will be the convening of an Intergovernmental Conference to agree the text of a new EU constitutional Treaty.

• 21 Jul 2003
  EU Level: EU-level social partners negotiate joint text on restructuring<#PDF_LINK>

  In June 2003, negotiators on behalf of the European-level social partners agreed the text of a statement on managing change and its social consequences. The move is in response to the consultation process on restructuring initiated by the European Commission in early 2002. The joint text still requires final approval by the governing bodies of the various social partner organisations, and will then be presented to the Commission.

• 08 Jul 2003
  EU Level: Commission issues Communication on immigration, integration and employment<#PDF_LINK>

  In June 2003, the European Commission launched a Communication dealing with the issue of immigration in an employment context. It states that more must be done to integrate existing immigrants and facilitate future immigration, in order to fill EU skills and employment gaps in the future.

• 08 Jul 2003
  EU Level: Anti-discrimination awareness campaign launched<#PDF_LINK>

  In mid-June 2003, the European Commission launched a campaign to increase awareness of discrimination. It believes that there is a need for such awareness-raising, given that two new anti-discrimination Directives come into force during 2003 and that a recent survey has shown that the majority of EU citizens are not aware of their rights in this area.

• 24 Jun 2003
  EU Level: Social partners issue first follow-up report on training framework<#PDF_LINK>

  In March 2003, the EU-level social partners issued a report on the development of competencies and qualifications, drawn up within the context of a framework of actions for the lifelong development of competencies and qualifications agreed by the partners in March 2002. The document reports a wide range of EU-level and national initiatives in the priority areas for action laid down in the framework document.

• 24 Jun 2003
  EU Level: ETUC holds 10th statutory congress<#PDF_LINK>

  The 10th statutory congress of the European Trade Union Confederation took place in May 2003. As well as electing a new leadership, the congress discussed a range of issues and adopted an action programme.

• 24 Jun 2003
  EU Level: Council fails to agree on temporary agency work Directive<#PDF_LINK>

  At the EU employment and social policy Council meeting held on 2-3 June 2003, ministers failed to reach agreement on a common position on the draft Directive on temporary agency workers. However, political agreement was reached on the Regulation on a statute for a European Cooperative Society and the accompanying Directive on worker involvement.

• 10 Jun 2003
  EU Level: Commission issues proposal on coordination of social protection policy<#PDF_LINK>

  The European Commission issued in May 2003 a Communication in which it sets out the case for streamlining and improving the coordination of social protection policy at EU level in the areas of pensions, social inclusion, healthcare and social security systems.

• 10 Jun 2003
  EU Level: European Cooperative Society nears adoption<#PDF_LINK>

  In June 2003, the Council of the European Union reached political agreement on the draft Regulation on the European Cooperative Society and the accompanying draft Directive on worker involvement. This followed the adoption of resolutions on the two texts by the European Parliament in May.

• 10 Jun 2003
  EU Level: First pan-European campaign to combat risks of dangerous substances at work<#PDF_LINK>

  A new EU-wide campaign to reduce the risks of chemicals, biological agents and other dangerous substances at work was launched by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work in May 2003.

• 10 Jun 2003
  EU Level: Parliament adopts resolution on corporate social responsibility<#PDF_LINK>

  In May 2003, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on corporate social responsibility, in response to the European Commission’s 2002 Communication on this issue. Parliament calls on the Commission, the Council of Ministers, Member States, companies and other involved parties to work to promote corporate social responsibility.

• 21 May 2003
  EU Level: ECJ Advocate-General issues opinions in on-call work and equal treatment cases<#PDF_LINK>

  European Court of Justice (ECJ) Advocates-General delivered opinions during April 2003 on two important employment-related cases. The first deals with on-call working for hospital doctors while the second deals with equal treatment in the case of subcontracted workers.

• 14 May 2003
  EU Level: EU-level developments in 2002<#PDF_LINK>

  This article reviews 2002's main developments in the European-level social dialogue between trade union and employers' organisations, and outlines the year's most significant EU legislative and other activity of relevance to industrial relations.

• 07 May 2003
  EU Level: 'Best EU workplaces' named<#PDF_LINK>

  In March 2003, the European Commission announced the 100best workplacesin the European Union and the winners of three special awards for excellence in the fields of diversity, gender equality and lifelong learning.

• 06 May 2003
  EU Level: ILO organises world health and safety at work day<#PDF_LINK>

  A world day for health and safety at work was organised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on 28 April 2003 in order to draw attention to work-related accidents and illnesses.

• 06 May 2003
  EU Level: European Convention issues draft reform proposals<#PDF_LINK>

  In April 2003, Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, chair of the European Convention, the body working on reform of the EU, presented a set of draft proposals for institutional reform. These include the creation of an elected position of President of the European Council and a reorganisation of the European Commission.

• 23 Apr 2003
  EU Level: Annual spring summit reviews employment progress<#PDF_LINK>

  The annual spring European Council meeting on economic, social and environmental issues was held in Brussels in March 2003, and reviewed the progress of EU policy in these areas. Although the Council set no new employment targets, it decided to establish a European employment taskforce

• 22 Apr 2003
  EU Level: Employment in the EU candidate countries assessed<#PDF_LINK>

  The European Commission published a report in February 2003 on the labour market situation in 12 candidate countries and the employment policy challenges they face in the run-up to enlargement, which begins in 2004. While candidate countries have made progress in transforming their labour markets, it is clear that significant differences remain between individual countries’ performances.

• 08 Apr 2003
  EU Level: First formal tripartite social summit takes place<#PDF_LINK>

  Ministers and representatives of the European social partners gathered on 20 March 2003 for the EU's first formaltripartite social summit. The social partners reported on what action they have been taking to implement the EU’s employment and social goals and gave an overview of progress in the implementation of their own autonomous work programme.

• 08 Apr 2003
  EU Level: Railway workers hold international day of action<#PDF_LINK>

  On 14 March 2003, the International Transport Workers’ Federation called its fourth annual international railway workers’ action day, entitledSafety first. The aim of the protest was to draw attention to railway workers’ fears that the deregulation of railways around the world is jeopardising the lives of passengers and rail workers. Actions were held in many European countries.

• 08 Apr 2003
  EU Level: Report examines 'costs of non-social policy'<#PDF_LINK>

  A paper published by the European Commission in March 2003, in the context of the mid-term review of the EU social policy agenda, looks at the cost and consequences of not having a social policy in place.

• 27 Mar 2003
  EU Level: Mid-term review conference addresses social policy agenda<#PDF_LINK>

  Representatives from the EU Member States and candidate countries gathered in Brussels in March 2003 for a large-scale conference to review the progress of the EU five-year social policy agenda since its launch in 2000. Wide-ranging debates were held on the themes of employment, social protection, industrial relations and equal opportunities.

• 25 Mar 2003
  EU Level: March employment Council discusses temporary agency work proposal<#PDF_LINK>

  The March 2003 EU social policy and employment Council discussed a broad range of topics, including the European employment strategy, social protection, gender mainstreaming and the implementation of recent anti-discrimination Directives. However, the most high-profile topic was the proposal for a Directive to regulate temporary agency work.

• 25 Mar 2003
  EU Level: Commission issues equal opportunities report<#PDF_LINK>

  The European Commission issued its annual equal opportunities report in March 2003. It outlines the main progress towards gender equality made in the EU in 2002 and looks at the gender equality state of play in the candidate countries. While significant steps have been taken in the area of gender-related legislation, the Commission is highlighting improved women’s participation in decision-making as the priority theme for 2003.

• 12 Mar 2003
  EU Level: Parliament adopts resolution on steel sector crisis<#PDF_LINK>

  In February 2003, the European Parliament adopted a resolution in which it calls on the European Commission and EU Member States to take action to alleviate the current crisis in the steel sector, exacerbated by the steel maker Arcelor’s recent plans to restructure and cut its workforce.

• 05 Mar 2003
  EU Level: Commission supports UN action on rights and dignity of people with disabilities<#PDF_LINK>

  In January 2003, the European Commission issued a Communication setting out its support for the development of a legally binding United Nations instrument to promote and protect the rights and dignity of people with disabilities. The Commission wants to contribute actively to the development of such an instrument.

• 05 Mar 2003
  EU Level: European sugar industry agrees code of conduct<#PDF_LINK>

  In February 2003, the European-level social partners in the sugar industry signed a joint code of conduct setting minimum standards for corporate social responsibility (CSR) in eight areas. The sector is the first to agree voluntarily at European level on minimum CSR standards on a broad scale.

• 05 Mar 2003
  EU Level: Commission assesses progress of social policy agenda<#PDF_LINK>

  In February 2003, the European Commission issued a report on the progress of the EU's five-year social policy agenda. The report praises Member States for achieving significant progress in terms of reducing unemployment and working towards the employment targets set at the March 2000 Lisbon Council. However, it also highlights the fact that significant structural labour market weaknesses remain, which may hamper progress in the coming years. This report prepares the ground for a mid-term review of the social policy agenda, which will take place during the first half of 2003.

• 11 Feb 2003
  EU Level: Protest action in ports over proposed Directive<#PDF_LINK>

  Industrial action varying from symbolic stoppages to 24-hour strikes was held in January 2003 at many ports throughout Europe. Dock workers were protesting against a proposed EU Directive on market access to port services, which is due for a second reading in the European Parliament.

• 11 Feb 2003
  EU Level: Informal social Council discusses employment and social protection<#PDF_LINK>

  An informal meeting of EU employment and social affairs ministers was held in Nafplio, Greece on 23-24 January 2003. Ministers discussed the European employment strategy and the issue of social protection.

• 03 Feb 2003
  EU Level: Survey highlights business benefits of EWCs<#PDF_LINK>

  In January 2003, the international management consultancy Organization Resources Counselors Inc published a survey of 24 major multinational companies’ experience of European Works Councils. Among its key findings, the survey identifies someunexpected benefitsfor management from the operation of EWCs.

• 29 Jan 2003
  EU Level: Commission issues Communication on free movement of workers<#PDF_LINK>

  In December 2002, the European Commission issued a Communication on the free movement of workers in the EU. The Communication examines some of the most important issues for migrants and their families that inhibit their freedom of movement, based partly on a substantial body of case law in this area emanating from the European Court of Justice.

• 29 Jan 2003
  EU Level: Commission evaluates Member States' national pension strategies<#PDF_LINK>

  The European Commission issued in December 2002 its first comprehensive analysis of national pension systems in the EU Member States. It assesses the adequacy of national pension systems and their ability to face the challenge of an ageing population.

• 20 Jan 2003
  EU Level: EU enlargement date set at Copenhagen Council<#PDF_LINK>

  The European Council held in Copenhagen on 12-13 December 2002 set a date of 1 May 2004 for a total of 10 new Member States to join the EU. Accession negotiations with Bulgaria and Romania will continue with a view to them joining in 2007.

• 20 Jan 2003
  EU Level: Greek Presidency sets out priorities<#PDF_LINK>

  The EU Council will be presided over by the Greek government during first half of 2003. Accordingly, the Greek Presidency has issued its priorities for the coming six months. In the employment and social field, they include a commitment to reaching political agreement on the draft Directive on temporary agency work, and a range of initiatives in employment, mobility and skills and disability.

• 20 Jan 2003
  EU Level: Agriculture social partners sign vocational training agreement<#PDF_LINK>

  In December 2002, the European-level social partners in the agriculture sector signed an agreement on vocational training. The new European accord aims to raise the skill levels of workers in this sector, recognise on-the-job training and experience, give workers a right to individual skills assessments and encourage cross-border recognition of qualifications and diplomas.