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September 2004

• 30 Sep 2004
  Poland: Government proposes introduction of employee councils

  In response to the 2002 EU information and consultation Directive, in summer 2004 the Polish government issued proposals for legislation requiring the introduction of employee councilsat establishments with over 100 workers, or employee representatives at establishments with 20-100 workers. Poland currently has no general statutory system of information and consultation structures, with only trade union representation, where present. Trade unions and employers' organisations have expressed a number of concerns about the proposals.

• 30 Sep 2004
  Spain: Bargaining on sexual harassment examined

  Research indicates that sexual harassment at work is a widespread problem in Spain. With the implementation of recent EU legislation outlawing sexual harassment raising the issue's profile in 2004, this article examines collective bargaining on harassment. It finds that bargaining deals relatively little with the matter, and when it does so this is generally in an inadequate way. However, some examples of good practice can be identified.

• 30 Sep 2004
  Spain: Bargaining on occupational classifications and functional mobility

  Recent years have seen changes in the system of occupational classification laid down in Spanish collective agreements, with a tendency towards greater flexibility, functional mobility and multi-skilling. Drawing on recent research, this article outlines the situation in 2004.

• 30 Sep 2004
  Latvia: Pay determination in public institutions

  The remuneration of those working in Latvia's public institutions (public administration, security and defence, justice, social welfare etc) is determined by a very complicated system of laws and regulations. This article examines this system of pay determination, as of 2004, and highlights increasing concern over the major pay disparities between groups within public institutions.

• 29 Sep 2004
  Sweden: Labour inspectors find work environment problems at call centres

  In August 2004, the Swedish Work Environment Authority presented the findings of visits by labour inspectors to over 100 call centres. Problems such as an inadequate physical work environment and unvaried work were identified in 86% of workplaces. However, a number of examples of good practice were found, and the Authority has drawn on these in identifying the factors that contribute to a first-rate work environment in call centres.

• 29 Sep 2004
  Netherlands: Occupational pension issues place increasing pressure on industrial relations

  Developments in recent years have challenged the Dutch occupational pensions system. Employers and employees are being confronted by rising contributions, eating into the scope for pay increases and placing pressure on collective bargaining. At the same time the absolute power of the social partners in running pension funds is being challenged by pensioners, causing an increasing number of disputes. This article reviews the situation in autumn 2004.

• 29 Sep 2004
  Netherlands: Government early retirement plans cause controversy

  In summer 2004, the Dutch government announced plans to phase out tax incentives for early retirement and introduce instead a 'life-span leave arrangement', enabling employees to accumulate a proportion of their pay to finance long-term leave for a variety of purposes (eg care duties, training or retiring earlier). Despite a critical response from trade unions, employers and occupational pension funds, the government appears set on pushing through its key proposals.

• 29 Sep 2004
  Poland: PŻM shipping company employees support dismissed director

  In August 2004, the Polish Ministry of the State Treasury dismissed the director of the state-owned PŻM shipping company, Paweł Brzezicki. The decision led to a wave of protests by the PŻM workforce and trade unions, which believe that Mr Brzezicki is responsible for a recent tunraround in the company's performance, and fear that his dismissal may be a prelude to its liquidation or sale and the loss of their jobs.

• 29 Sep 2004
  Poland: Industrial relations in the construction industry

  Industrial relations in the Polish construction industry are marked by relatively weak social partner organisations, a lack of sectoral collective bargaining and a generally ineffective social dialogue, which is further impaired by the deteriorating economic situation of the industry. This article reviews the situation in 2004, drawing on recent research.

• 29 Sep 2004
  Italy: Parliament approves pension reform law

  In July 2004, the Italian parliament approved a 'proxy law' on reform of the pension system. The main changes include reduced access to early retirement on 'seniority pensions' (based on length of contribution history), new ways of financing supplementary pension funds, and incentives to encourage people of pensionable age to remain in work. The reform has proved highly controversial among the social partners.

• 29 Sep 2004
  Norway: Closer coordination of labour market and welfare administration proposed

  In June 2004, a public committee issued recommendations aimed at achieving closer coordination of public labour market and welfare functions on Norway. It recommends giving administrative responsibility to two new bodies, covering work/income matters and pensions respectively, and political responsibility to a single ministry. The social partners have until November to give their views on the proposals.

• 28 Sep 2004
  Latvia: New rules introduced on teachers' pay and qualifications

  The new school year beginning in September 2004 brings significant changes to industrial relations in Latvia’s education system. First, new regulations have been adopted on teachers’ pay that should cut their workloads and increase their pay. Second, all teachers now require tertiary professional qualifications and/or appropriate continuing education qualifications. Around 100 teachers may now lose their jobs due to inadequate qualifications, though dismissals are not likely to be easy, given protective employment legislation.

• 28 Sep 2004
  Poland: Debate over law capping pay of managers of state-owned enterprises

  In 2000, a law was adopted in Poland that caps the salaries of managers of state-owned enterprises and other entities. The Polish Confederation of Employers (KPP), representing many state-run enterprises, has long opposed the legislation, which it believes violates EU law. In September 2004, KPP threatened to lodge a complaint with the European Commission, unless the government repeals the law. Meanwhile the government has announced proposals to relax some aspects of the statutory pay limits.

• 28 Sep 2004
  Spain: Temporary employment examined

  Nearly a third of Spanish employees are on temporary contracts, a far higher level than anywhere else in the EU. This article reviews the current situation in this area, as at autumn 2004. It outlines the various types of temporary contracts allowed by law, statistics on their use, the role of collective bargaining and the views of the social partners and government.

• 28 Sep 2004
  Spain: Collective bargaining in the paper and graphic arts sector

  This article examines collective bargaining in Spain's paper and graphic arts sector, which employs around 210,000 workers. There are four national collective agreements covering various subsectors, and some bargaining at lower levels. Overall, the industry has a notably coherent and consolidated bargaining structure.

• 28 Sep 2004
  Spain: Labour market situation of female immigrants examined

  The number of women migrating to Spain for work has risen sharply in recent years, partly due to increasing demand for workers to do jobs with low pay and prestige, in sectors (such as domestic service) where most of the workforce is female. The situation is a matter of concern for trade unions. This article reviews the position in 2004, drawing on recent research about the labour market situation of female immigrants.

• 27 Sep 2004
  France: Social cohesion plan presented

  In June 2004, the French government presented a social cohesion plan. The aim is to take an integrated approach to social exclusion, seeking simultaneously to combat problems in employment, housing and society more widely. Trade unions and employers’ associations have been consulted on the issue and have expressed a range of opinions on the plan.

• 27 Sep 2004
  Bulgaria: Social consequences of privatisation assessed

  Since the mid-1990s, Bulgaria has seen a massive process of privatisation. This article examines the social and employment aspects and effects of privatisation, which have included major job losses and outbreaks of tension, as of mid-2004.

• 27 Sep 2004
  Cyprus: PEO proposes changes to industrial relations law

  During 2004, the Pancyprian Federation of Labour has been calling for changes to Cyprus's industrial relations system. Notably, it has proposed that there should be new legislation providing for trade union recognition and the extension of collective agreements, as well as enshrining a right for workers to receive an annual bonus worth one month's pay.

• 27 Sep 2004
  Austria: Controversy over government’s pensions harmonisation plans

  In September 2004, a year or so after the introduction of a far-reaching pensions reform providing for considerable cuts in state pensions, the Austrian government presented a draft bill on the harmonisation of the various pensions systems for different occupational groups. Whereas the conservative-populist coalition government sees its planned pensions harmonisation as being fair to all the working people concerned, organised labour and the parliamentary opposition consider that these plans consolidate the 2003 welfare cuts rather than lessen their effects.

• 27 Sep 2004
  Denmark: 'New wage' system will be difficult issue in regional/municipal bargaining

  In autumn 2004, trade unions and employers in Denmark's regional and municipal authorities sector are preparing to negotiate new collective agreements. A decentralised pay scheme introduced in 1998, known as new wage, is likely to be a source of major difficulties in the bargaining. Some major unions are demanding the abolition of the system, while employers want to extend it and earmark a larger part of the overall wage sum for local distribution through the scheme.

• 27 Sep 2004
  France: Debate over minimum service during public transport strikes

  A long-running debate in France about whether a minimum level of service should be required during public transport strikes was reignited in July 2004 by the publication of a government-commissioned report supporting such a measure. The social partners, which are deeply divided on the matter, have been consulted about minimum service provision by the government.

• 24 Sep 2004
  Belgium: Social partners consulted on fight against poverty and social exclusion

  At a joint session of the Central Economic Council and National Labour Council in July 2004, the Belgian social partners adopted a unanimous opinion on the latest report from the public Service for combating poverty, precariousness and social exclusion. The opinion stresses the role of the social partners in this area, and in particular in the areas of health protection and the rights to work and social protection.

• 24 Sep 2004
  Greece: National General Collective Agreement signed for 2004-5

  In May 2004, Greece's central social partner organisations signed a new two-year National General Collective Agreement (EGSSE). The 2004-5 EGSSE sets minimum wage rises, increases severance pay for blue-collar workers, introduces new forms of special leave and amends the rules on time off for breastfeeding. It also refers a number of important matters, including the reduction of working time, to further negotiations in the near future.

• 24 Sep 2004
  Romania: First national framework agreement concluded for civil servants

  Romania's first national framework agreement for civil service employees was concluded in August 2004. It regulates relations between the public administration and civil servants as well as between the administration and civil servants' trade unions, covering matters such as working time, leave, training, health and safety, rights and duties. Although trade unions welcome the provisions of the agreement, protest actions are imminent in September, as no understanding has been reached with regard to pay increases.

• 24 Sep 2004
  Finland: Measures to narrow gender wage gap evaluated

  A government-appointed special commissioner, Tuulikki Petäjäniemi, issued her report evaluating the adequacy of recent measures to promote equal pay in Finland in August 2004. She concludes that the gender wage gap needs to be addressed more fully, preferably within a tripartite framework. The report finds that occupational gender segregation remains strong and that the current pay determination system favours male-dominated sectors, though promising measures to address these issues are already in limited use. Measures that have effectively narrowed the gender wage gap include analytical job evaluation schemes and bringing male- and female-dominated sectors within the same collective agreements.

• 24 Sep 2004
  Estonia: Difficult wage negotiations in healthcare sector

  In September 2004, bargaining over a new pay agreement for the Estonian healthcare sector has yet to be completed, despite the involvement of the public conciliator. Wage negotiations in healthcare are often lengthy and unsuccessful. This year, they have assumed particular importance because of fears of a potential large-scale migration of healthcare professionals, with shortages already appearing in some specialisms.

• 24 Sep 2004
  Denmark: Arbitration settles dispute over 'missed time'

  In September 2004, a Danish industrial arbitration tribunal ruled in a dispute over a provision in a new collective agreement concluded in the industry sector in spring 2004. The agreement provides that, after an unlawful strike, employees can be compelled to do additional work on up to 14 days in order to make up for the company's lost production - without receiving an overtime rate of pay. The tribunal found that such 'missed time' working should be considered as overtime work and not as ordinary working time. Except for premium rates of overtime pay, all other provisions connected with overtime laid down in the collective agreement (eg on notice periods) apply to such cases.

• 24 Sep 2004
  Malta: Social partner concern over 'eco-contribution'

  A law came into force in Malta on 1 September 2004, introducing an 'eco-contribution' to be levied on many products, with the aim of encouraging producers and importers to take responsibility for the environmental impact of waste. The legislation has been the subject of heated debate among the social partners. Employers’ organisations, trade unions and non-governmental organisations are sceptical about its potential contribution to safeguarding the environment.

• 22 Sep 2004
  United Kingdom: Parliamentary committee calls for changes to workplace health and safety regulation

  A report by the House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee, published in July 2004, sets out a number of criticisms of the system of health and safety regulation in the UK. Its recommendations include more resources for enforcement by the Health and Safety Executive and new rights for worker representatives.

• 22 Sep 2004
  Germany: Debate on introduction of statutory minimum wage

  In August 2004, the leader of Germany's governing Social Democratic Party (SPD), Franz Müntefering, launched a public debate on the introduction of a statutory minimum wage when he announced his intention to seek agreement with trade unions on this issue. The trade unions affiliated to the Confederation of German Trade Unions (DGB) are divided over the question, with views ranging from strong support for a national minimum wage to great scepticism. Both the Confederation of German Employers' Associations (BDA) and the Confederation of Germany Industries (BDI) reject any idea of a statutory minimum wage.

• 22 Sep 2004
  Germany: European Migrant Workers Union founded

  In September 2004, Germany's Trade Union for Building, Forestry, Agriculture and the Environment (IG BAU) announced the foundation of a European Migrant Workers Union. The new union addresses posted and seasonal workers in all industries, but in the initial phase will concentrate on migrant workers in construction and agriculture who work for a limited period of time in one or several EU Member States. The aim is to provide those workers with legal assistance and advice, support them in the event of sickness or accident, help them to receive correct payment for work done and promote the provision of better accommodation. The European Migrant Workers Union is thought to be the first such organisation to be formed within the European trade union movement.

• 22 Sep 2004
  Ireland: Social partners formally ratify national deal

  In early September 2004, Ireland’s social partners formally ratified the second half of the three-year Sustaining Progress national agreement - the main aspect being a pay increase worth between 5.5% and 6% over 18 months. The outcome was never seriously in doubt, and the parties may be back at the table in late 2005 to negotiate a seventh successive partnership agreement.

• 22 Sep 2004
  Ireland: New 'right to bargain' rulings push back boundaries of collective representation

  The first rulings from Ireland’s Labour Court under recently updated right to bargainprocedures appear to push back the boundaries of collective employee representation and, for this reason, have been criticised by employers. This article examines some of the main implications of these early rulings, as at September 2004.

• 22 Sep 2004
  United Kingdom: Changes made to national minimum wage

  From 1 October 2004, the existing adult and development rates of the UK's national minimum wage will be increased, and a new rate for 16 and 17 year olds introduced for the first time.

• 22 Sep 2004
  EU Level: European Court of Justice issues decision in EWCs case

  In July 2004, the European Court of Justice issued its ruling in a case concerning employees’ rights to company information prior to seeking the establishment of a European Works Council (EWC).

• 22 Sep 2004
  EU Level: Commission issues equality and non-discrimination report

  In July 2004, the European Commission issued its second annual report on equality and non-discrimination in the EU. The document examines new rights to legal protection against discrimination that have recently been introduced across the Union, and describes efforts that have been made to raise awareness about the new rights and to promote the benefits of diversity.

• 22 Sep 2004
  EU Level: Commission issues social dialogue Communication

  In August 2004, the European Commission issued a new Communication in which it explores the achievements of the EU-level social dialogue process to date and highlights areas where improvement could be made. It focuses in particular on the impact and implementation of the joint texts reached so far.

• 16 Sep 2004
  EU Countries: Family-related leave and industrial relations

  The various forms of family-related leave are a central issue in the widespread attempts across Europe to create a better work-life balance. Such leave has received increasing attention over recent years from both legislators (often prompted by EU Directives) and the social partners. This study looks at the current position in 19 EU Member States and Norway in terms of legislation and collective bargaining on the key forms of family-related leave - maternity leave, paternity leave, parental leave and leave for urgent family reasons - and the views of trade unions and employers on the matter. It also assesses the impact of family-related leave and its effects on gender equality.

• 15 Sep 2004
  France: Thematic feature - redundancies and redundancy costs

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

• 15 Sep 2004
  Poland: Signs of trade union cooperation in regional social dialogue

  Regional social dialogue commissions were created by law in Poland in 2001, involving representatives of regional trade union and employers' organisations, regional government and the national government. These bodies have been widely perceived as an opportunity for injecting new life into social dialogue and for enfranchising the social partners at regional level. This article examines developments in the regional commissions up to early 2004. Evidence suggests that the commissions have contributed to greater cooperation among the main trade union organisations at regional level, especially over issues such as the problems of sectors undergoing restructuring.

• 13 Sep 2004
  Romania: Thematic feature - industrial relations and undeclared work

  This article gives a brief overview of the industrial relations aspects of undeclared work in Romania, as of June 2004. It looks at: the nature and extent of undeclared work; the regulatory framework; the role, activities and views of the social partners; and partnerships between social partners and public authorities to tackle undeclared work.

• 13 Sep 2004
  Slovenia: Thematic feature - industrial relations and undeclared work

  This article gives a brief overview of the industrial relations aspects of undeclared work in Slovenia, as of June 2004. It looks at: the nature and extent of undeclared work; the regulatory framework; the role, activities and views of the social partners; and partnerships between social partners and public authorities to tackle undeclared work.

• 13 Sep 2004
  Slovakia: Thematic feature - industrial relations and undeclared work

  This article gives a brief overview of the industrial relations aspects of undeclared work in Slovakia, as of June 2004. It looks at: the nature and extent of undeclared work; the regulatory framework; the role, activities and views of the social partners; and partnerships between social partners and public authorities to tackle undeclared work.

• 13 Sep 2004
  Poland: Thematic feature - industrial relations and undeclared work

  This article gives a brief overview of the industrial relations aspects of undeclared work in Poland, as of June 2004. It looks at: the nature and extent of undeclared work; the regulatory framework; the role, activities and views of the social partners; and partnerships between social partners and public authorities to tackle undeclared work.

• 10 Sep 2004
  Latvia: Thematic feature - industrial relations and undeclared work

  This article gives a brief overview of the industrial relations aspects of undeclared work in Latvia, as of June 2004. It looks at: the nature and extent of undeclared work; the regulatory framework; the role, activities and views of the social partners; and partnerships between social partners and public authorities to tackle undeclared work.

• 09 Sep 2004
  Sweden: Thematic feature - industrial relations and undeclared work

  This article gives a brief overview of the industrial relations aspects of undeclared work in Sweden, as of June 2004. It looks at: the nature and extent of undeclared work; the regulatory framework; the role, activities and views of the social partners; and partnerships between social partners and public authorities to tackle undeclared work

• 09 Sep 2004
  Netherlands: Thematic feature - industrial relations and undeclared work

  This article gives a brief overview of the industrial relations aspects of undeclared work in the Netherlands, as of June 2004. It looks at: the nature and extent of undeclared work; the regulatory framework; the role, activities and views of the social partners; and partnerships between social partners and public authorities to tackle undeclared work.

• 09 Sep 2004
  Greece: Thematic feature - industrial relations and undeclared work

  This article gives a brief overview of the industrial relations aspects of undeclared work in Greece, as of June 2004. It looks at: the nature and extent of undeclared work; the regulatory framework; the role, activities and views of the social partners; and partnerships between social partners and public authorities to tackle undeclared work.

• 09 Sep 2004
  Italy: Thematic feature - industrial relations and undeclared work

  This article gives a brief overview of the industrial relations aspects of undeclared work in Italy, as of June 2004. It looks at: the nature and extent of undeclared work; the regulatory framework; the role, activities and views of the social partners; and partnerships between social partners and public authorities to tackle undeclared work.

• 08 Sep 2004
  Spain: Thematic feature - industrial relations and undeclared work

  This article gives a brief overview of the industrial relations aspects of undeclared work in Spain, as of June 2004. It looks at: the nature and extent of undeclared work; the regulatory framework; the role, activities and views of the social partners; and partnerships between social partners and public authorities to tackle undeclared work.

• 08 Sep 2004
  France: Thematic feature - industrial relations and undeclared work

  This article gives a brief overview of the industrial relations aspects of undeclared work in France, as of June 2004. It looks at: the nature and extent of undeclared work; the regulatory framework; the role, activities and views of the social partners; and partnerships between social partners and public authorities to tackle undeclared work.

• 08 Sep 2004
  Slovakia: Gender equality situation and initiatives

  Despite various government programmes and the introduction of new legislation in recent years, the evidence is that gender inequality persists in many aspects of work in Slovakia. With EU membership since May 2004 placing further emphasis on equality for women and men, this article reviews the current position and a number of recent initiatives.

• 08 Sep 2004
  Slovakia: New central employers' organisation established

  2004 has seen a split in the Federation of Employers' Associations of the Slovak Republic (AZZZ SR), formerly the country's only central employers' organisation. Dissatisfied members have established a new organisation, the National Union of Employers of the Slovak Republic (RUZ SR), with the aim of better defending employers' interests, which by August had grown to around the same size as AZZZ SR . The split has raised problems concerning employers' representation in tripartite bodies and in international organisations.

• 07 Sep 2004
  Sweden: Committee proposes changes to implement EU information and consultation Directive

  In August 2004, a government committee set up to examine the implementation in Swedish law of the 2002 EU Directive on information and consultation rules presented its report. In Sweden, statutory information and consultation rights are currently restricted to employers and employees covered by collective agreements, and the committee proposes that they should now be extended to all workplaces.

• 07 Sep 2004
  Poland: Dispute ends at Budryk coal mine

  In August 2004, a deal was concluded to end a pay dispute at Poland's Budryk coal-mining company, following discussions in the Silesia Regional Social Dialogue Commission. The conflict had seen differences of opinion between various trade unions, a warning strike and threats of a full-stage stoppage.

• 07 Sep 2004
  Estonia: Social partners discuss minimum wage

  In August 2004, during talks over Estonia's national minimum wage for 2005, the ETTK employers’ confederation made several proposals concerning the principles for setting the minimum wage. These proposals run counter to an agreement concluded between ETTK and the EAKL trade union confederation in 2001.

• 07 Sep 2004
  Netherlands: Court rules against 40-hour week at Smead

  In August 2004, a court ruled against a plan by Smead Europe, the Dutch subsidiary of a US-owned office supplies group, to increase weekly working hours from 36 or 38 to 40 at two plants, with no increase in pay. According to the court, such an extension would contravene the applicable sectoral collective agreement.

• 07 Sep 2004
  Netherlands: Unions launch protest action against government policy

  In August 2004, the Netherlands' three main trade union federations launched a programme of protest action against government policy on a variety of issues, notably early retirement and lifelong leave arrangements. The planned action includes a strike on 21 September.

• 07 Sep 2004
  Romania: Two trade union confederations agree to merge

  In August 2004, two of Romania's five nationally representative trade union confederations - the National Trade Union Bloc (BNS) and the National Confederation of Free Trade Unions in Romania Brotherhood (CNSLR Fratia) - announced their intention to merge. Although the other three confederations are not in favour of joining the merger, all continue to cooperate on matters of common interest.

• 07 Sep 2004
  France: Vivendi Universal creates jobs in exchange for new tax status

  In 2004, Vivendi Universal, the French-based media and communications group, has been granted a more advantageous tax status by the Ministry of the Economy and Finance. In exchange, the company has committed itself to creating over 2,000 jobs in some of the areas hardest hit by unemployment in France.

• 07 Sep 2004
  France: Controversial decree completes reform of occupational health system

  A decree published in France in July 2004 makes major changes to the monitoring of employees’ health at work and the practice of occupational medicine, completing a series of reforms introduced in this area in recent years. These latest amendments are a source of significant dispute among the government, social partners and occupational health professionals.

• 07 Sep 2004
  Spain: Action hits vehicle breakdown services

  In August 2004, Spain was hit by a strike by firms and self-employed workers in the vehicle breakdown and recovery services sector, with about 80% of services affected. The action arises from a dispute over fees between the service providers and insurance companies.

• 07 Sep 2004
  Spain: CC.OO highlights integration of people with disabilities

  In June 2004, Spain's CC.OO trade union confederation called for improvements in government policy on the integration of people with disabilities in employment, and for greater involvement of the social partners in the development of this policy.

• 07 Sep 2004
  Malta: Public Transport Association demands higher incomes

  In 2004, Malta's Public Transport Association (PTA) has been demanding higher subsidies from the government in order to make up for the increased expenses of its members that own and operate bus routes. Its demands are viewed as unreasonable by the government, and PTA started limited industrial action during August.

• 07 Sep 2004
  Denmark: Study examines why union members do not vote in ballots

  In April 2004, only 37% of members of the trade unions affiliated to the Danish Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) voted in a ballot on whether or not to accept an overall compromise settlement to conclude 2004's various sectoral collective bargaining rounds across the private sector. A survey carried out for LO in summer 2004 found that main reasons given by members for not voting were that they forgot or were uninterested. The researchers suggest that many of the abstainers may be persuaded to vote in future by means such as better information or follow-up measures.

• 07 Sep 2004
  Latvia: National Action Plan for employment approved

  In August 2004, a government committee approved Latvia's 2004 National Action Plan (NAP) for employment, drawn up in response to the EU employment strategy. The plan, which includes 45 measures for promoting employment, will now be submitted to the European Commission. The Latvian Employers’ Confederation has made a favourable assessment of the NAP.

• 06 Sep 2004
  Italy: Company agreement signed at Piaggio

  In June 2004, a complementarycompany-level agreement was signed at Piaggio, the Italian scooter manufacturer - the first such deal to be signed at the firm for nine years. The agreement creates an hour bank, introduces new flexible forms of employment, sets up a performance-related pay scheme and provides for the establishment of a European Works Council.

• 06 Sep 2004
  Germany: OECD assesses labour market reforms

  In August 2004, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) praised recent structural reforms of labour market and social policies carried out by the German government as steps in the right direction. However, according to the OECD, further reforms are needed to strengthen economic growth and to lower unemployment in a lasting way.

• 06 Sep 2004
  United Kingdom: Unions win concessions from ministers on employment law agenda

  In July 2004, UK trade union leaders secured agreement from government ministers on a series of employment law reforms and other policy commitments. The move - seen as a pre-election pact ahead of the general election expected in spring 2005 - follows strong union criticism of the Blair government’s record.

• 06 Sep 2004
  United Kingdom: Unions to appeal against ruling on sexual orientation Regulations

  UK trade unions are to pursue an appeal against a court ruling in April 2004 rejecting their legal challenge to certain key provisions of the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003.

• 06 Sep 2004
  United Kingdom: Single university and college lecturers’ union planned

  In July 2004, the Association of University Teachers and the National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education agreed to begin detailed discussions on the creation of a single new trade union to represent academic and related staff in the further and higher education sectors in England and Wales.

• 06 Sep 2004
  United Kingdom: CBI seeks more effective scrutiny of proposed EU laws by UK Parliament

  In August 2004, the CBI employers’ organisation called for a package of parliamentary reforms aimed at increasing the UK’s influence over EU legislation. The CBI criticised the UK Parliament for failing to scrutinise proposed European law effectively and prevent Whitehall gold-platingEU laws when implementing them domestically.

• 06 Sep 2004
  Finland: Government reforms financing of sickness insurance

  A plan for the reform of sickness insurance contributions was announced by the Finnish government in August 2004. From 2006, the financing of sickness insurance will be amended so that receiving benefits and paying for them will be more directly linked. Furthermore, the contributions of both employers and workers will be increased. The social partners are satisfied with the basic structure of the plan, but have raised concerns over how the costs should be shared.

• 06 Sep 2004
  EU Level: Worldwide youth unemployment at record high

  An ILO study issued in August 2004 found that nearly half the unemployed people in the world are between the ages of 15 and 24. It also found that young people represent a significant proportion of the world’s working poor.

• 06 Sep 2004
  EU Level: Lifelong learning negotiations fail in insurance sector

  Talks over lifelong learning between the EU-level social partners in the insurance sector broke down in May 2004. Issues under discussion had included the provision of training during working time and the involvement of trade unions in the training process.

• 06 Sep 2004
  Cyprus: New agreement signed in metalworking

  Following months of bargaining and mediation, a deal was finally reached on renewal of the collective agreement for the Cyprus metalworking industry in July 2004. The agreement provides for pay rises and increased contributions to a number of sectoral funds.

• 06 Sep 2004
  Cyprus: SEK supports raising public sector retirement age to 63

  In July 2004, the Cyprus Workers' Confederation (SEK) came out officially in favour of raising the retirement age in the broader public sector from 60 to 63, as proposed by the government.

• 06 Sep 2004
  Austria: Government plans tougher penalties for organised 'social fraud'

  Against the background of reports of large-scale, organised tax and social security fraud committed by some employers, in summer 2004 Austria's Minister for Justice presented a draft bill that aims to tackle illicit employment practices by introducing tougher penalties. Organised labour supports this initiative.

• 06 Sep 2004
  Germany: Major protests against cuts in unemployment assistance

  In regular weekly demonstrations over July and August 2004, tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets in cities across Germany to protest against the so-called Hartz IV law. This legislation, which will come into effect in January 2005, will effectively abolish the current unemployment assistance by replacing it with a new so-called unemployment benefit II. The new benefit will no longer be tied to the former income of the recipient but will be around the same flat-rate level as the current social assistance benefit.

• 06 Sep 2004
  Belgium: New system results in industrial action at Post Office

  In August 2004, it was announced that the financial results of the Belgian Post Office had improved significantly, mainly due to cost reductions brought about by the implementation of new delivery-planning software. However, introduction of this system generated industrial action over summer 2004. Talks over a new collective agreement for the Post Office are due to start in September.

• 06 Sep 2004
  Ireland: Aer Lingus rejects Labour Court finding

  In summer 2004, Aer Lingus, the Irish state-owned airline, took the unprecedented step of rejected a recommendation from the Labour Court. The Court's findings, while generally non-binding in law, have until now always been accepted by state-owned companies.

• 06 Sep 2004
  Norway: Two unions cut ties with National Wage Board

  In Norway, industrial disputes that have been referred to compulsory arbitration are decided by the National Wage Board. In August 2004, the Board ruled in favour of the Norwegian Oil Industry Association (OLF) employers' organisation in a dispute with the Federation of Oil Workers' Trade Unions (OFS) and the Norwegian Organisation for Managers and Supervisors (Lederne). The ruling is seen by the two trade unions to be biased and undemocratic, and they have chosen to withdraw from further participation in the National Wage Board.

• 06 Sep 2004
  United Kingdom: First ever CAC ruling under UK European Works Councils law

  In July 2004, the Central Arbitration Committee issued its first decision on a complaint made under the Transnational Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations 1999, which implement the European Works Councils Directive in the UK.

• 02 Sep 2004
  Denmark: Thematic feature - industrial relations and undeclared work

  This article gives a brief overview of the industrial relations aspects of undeclared work in Denmark, as of June 2004. It looks at: the nature and extent of undeclared work; the regulatory framework; the role, activities and views of the social partners; and partnerships between social partners and public authorities to tackle undeclared work.

• 02 Sep 2004
  Hungary: Thematic feature - industrial relations and undeclared work

  This article gives a brief overview of the industrial relations aspects of undeclared work in Hungary, as of June 2004. It looks at: the nature and extent of undeclared work; the regulatory framework; the role, activities and views of the social partners; and partnerships between social partners and public authorities to tackle undeclared work.

• 02 Sep 2004
  Estonia: Thematic feature - industrial relations and undeclared work

  This article gives a brief overview of the industrial relations aspects of undeclared work in Estonia, as of June 2004. It looks at: the nature and extent of undeclared work; the regulatory framework; the role, activities and views of the social partners; and partnerships between social partners and public authorities to tackle undeclared work.

• 01 Sep 2004
  Bulgaria: Thematic feature - industrial relations and undeclared work

  This article gives a brief overview of the industrial relations aspects of undeclared work in Bulgaria, as of June 2004. It looks at: the nature and extent of undeclared work; the regulatory framework; the role, activities and views of the social partners; and partnerships between social partners and public authorities to tackle undeclared work.

• 01 Sep 2004
  Slovenia: Discrimination against women highlighted

  The employment rate of women in Slovenia is higher than the EU 15 average, and their overall labour market position seems relatively favourable, while equal opportunities legislation has recently been strengthened. However, according to the Union of Free Trade Unions of Slovenia (ZSSS) and the Equal Opportunities Office (UEM), in practice, women still face discrimination at work and the law is not always implemented. For example, it is reported that employers often treat women in a discriminatory way because they have children or are pregnant. There is also currently a lack of data on discrimination and other equality-related issues. This article looks at the situation in summer 2004.