• About EIRO
• Annual reports
• Comparative information
• EU level developments
• Representativeness studies
• Survey Reports
• Browse by:
  • Country
  • Date
  • Sector
  • Subject
• Industrial relations links

November 2004

• 30 Nov 2004
  Spain: Equal opportunities in collective bargaining examined<#PDF_LINK>

  Since the the main trade unions and employers' organisations signed an agreement providing a framework for lower-level collective bargaining in 2002, equal opportunities for men and women has become an explicit aim of collective bargaining. The data available in 2004 indicate an increasing incorporation of this issue in collective agreements, though the agreed content still tends to consist of declarations of intent rather than specific policies and action. National sectoral agreements seems to offer the best results in terms of the inclusion of equal opportunities in bargaining, whereas the company level shows the best results in the establishment of good practices.

• 30 Nov 2004
  Spain: Relocation under debate<#PDF_LINK>

  During the second half of 2004, there has been a number of relocations of companies' operations from Spain to other countries, as part of a wider wave of company restructuring. This article examines the main cases, the reasons and the industrial relations aspects.

• 30 Nov 2004
  Poland: Wave of pay demands<#PDF_LINK>

  Late 2004 has seen an upsurge in demands for pay increases by Polish employees in sectors such as the metal-processing, coal-mining, petroleum, automotive, and food industries. Trade unions generally advance the same argument in support of their demands, namely that workers too should benefit from a recent improvement in the economic climate. Employers are very circumspect in addressing these demands, warning that over-hasty spending of the fruits of economic growth may lead to a reduction of investments and thus endanger the very growth that is now fuelling employee demands.

• 30 Nov 2004
  France: Report on obstacles to growth calls for industrial relations changes<#PDF_LINK>

  A report commissioned by the Minister for the Economy and published in October 2004 identifies obstacles to economic growth in France and makes recommendations on how they can be overcome. The proposals include longer life-time working hours and changes to the law on employee representation, employment contracts, the minimum wage and redundancies.

• 30 Nov 2004
  France: Schools reform in prospect<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2004, after a major public consultation exercise, a report on reform of France's state schools system was presented to the Minister of National Education. Trade unions gave a mixed response to the proposals, which include a redefinition of the teaching profession and of teachers’ workload. Negotiations over legislative changes now appear likely.

• 30 Nov 2004
  Italy: Innovative agreement signed for workers at new shopping centre<#PDF_LINK>

  In November 2004, a collective agreement was signed to regulate the employment conditions of workers at the businesses trading at Outlet Village, a new shopping centre situated in the province of Arezzo, Tuscany. The deal, signed by the region's main commerce and services trade unions, the management of the shopping centre, and the local Association of Trade, is the first of its kind in Italy. Its conclusion was assisted by an agreement signed in 2002 between the social partners and the Tuscany regional administration that promotes dialogue and consultation among the social partners over the opening of large shopping centres.

• 30 Nov 2004
  Italy: Agreement signed on industrial relations as Parmalat restructures<#PDF_LINK>

  The Italian-based Parmalat, one of the largest agro-food groups in the world, was hit by a financial crisis at the end of 2003 which led to judicial inquiries involving the owners and management. In order to ensure the continuity of Parmalat’s activities, a decree-law issued by the government in December 2003 placed the group under extraordinary administration proceedings. The group’s industrial and financial restructuring plan - announced in July 2004 by a special commissioner appointed by the government to oversee the transition - was followed by an agreement on industrial relations signed by the main sectoral trade unions in November 2004. This agreement lays down the procedures for protection of employees during Parmalat’s restructuring and reorganisation.

• 30 Nov 2004
  Italy: Fiat workers strike against reorganisation plan<#PDF_LINK>

  On 5 November 2004 ,a four-hour strike was held at all Italian Fiat car plants. This was the first time in more than two years that the Fiat workforce had staged industrial action nationwide. The strike also affected Powertrain (the joint venture between Fiat Auto and General Motors) and subcontractor companies, and was called jointly by main metalworkers' trade unions, following a meeting with the chief executive of Fiat Auto, at which a plan for reorganising the company was presented.

• 30 Nov 2004
  Germany: Survey finds widespread support for board-level co-determination<#PDF_LINK>

  There is widespread support amongst the public for the German system of co-determination, which gives workers and trade union representatives seats in company boardrooms. This is the main finding of a representative survey published by the Hans Böckler Foundation in October 2004. A large majority of respondents believe that co-determination provides protection for employees in times of crisis, whereas opinions are divided on the question of whether employees are really able to influence strategic company decisions. The survey was published against the background of a recent debate on the future of German co-determination, triggered by demands from employers’ associations to revise the current legal framework.

• 29 Nov 2004
  Sweden: Sick pay reform meets opposition<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2004, the Swedish government presented a bill on measures to reduce the current very high sickness absence rate. The proposals include increasing employers' responsibility in this area, with a new system of co-financing of sickness costs. The government's plans have met with considerable opposition from many social partner organisations.

• 29 Nov 2004
  Belgium: Tensions over railway restructuring<#PDF_LINK>

  From January 2005, Belgian Railways (SNCB/NMBS) will split into two subsidiaries, one responsible for transport operations and the other for managing the infrastructure. In the run-up, trade unions are concerned about the job losses and a deterioration of working conditions, while the nomination of the directors of the new companies in late October 2004 proved controversial.

• 29 Nov 2004
  Belgium: Social partners concerned about energy issues<#PDF_LINK>

  In Belgium, the social partners play a role in the regulation of the electricity and gas market, though this has been reduced since liberalisation began in 2001. In October 2004, the publication of an assessment of the liberalisation process gave the partners the opportunity to air their views on the matter. All are concerned that high energy prices might prompt Belgian industrial companies to relocate their activities to other countries.

• 29 Nov 2004
  Bulgaria: Social partner involvement in lifelong learning examined<#PDF_LINK>

  Bulgaria is expected to join the European Union in 2007, and one of the areas that is receiving considerable attention in the run-up is lifelong learning, as promoted by the EU. This article examines the involvement of the social partners in this area, as at late 2004, finding that they are involved in a range of activities and bodies for increasing the adaptability, employability and career development of workers, and in supporting the delivery of appropriate education and training.

• 29 Nov 2004
  Czech Republic: Public views of trade unions analysed<#PDF_LINK>

  Surveys conducted over 1990-2003 and examined in this article confirm the fact that trade union membership is in long-term decline in the Czech Republic. The main reasons for the shrinking membership are linked with the sweeping socio-economic changes that Czech society went through as a result of the major transformation processes launched at the start of the 1990s and continuing in part to this day. The research also finds that a relatively high proportion of respondents believe that trade unions are necessary to safeguard employees’ interests.

• 29 Nov 2004
  Romania: Employers' organisations hold forum<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2004, the Union of Romanian Employers (UPR), grouping six of Romania's nationally representative employers’ organisations (of the 14 currently in existence) held a forum, the first joint initiative of its kind. The forum drew attention to economic competitiveness gapsand proposed a number of changes to current social dialogue provisions.

• 29 Nov 2004
  Estonia: No agreement yet on minimum wage for 2005<#PDF_LINK>

  In November 2004, the Estonian social partners have still not concluded a collective agreement on the national minimum wage for 2005, and their positions remain relatively far apart. The main issue in the negotiations has been what wage rate would fulfil an agreement signed by the social partners in 2001 on the long-term development of the minimum wage.

• 29 Nov 2004
  EU Countries: Les retraites professionnelles et les relations industrielles<#PDF_LINK>

  La question des retraites est devenue une question clé à l’ordre du jour des relations industrielles en Europe. Beaucoup de gouvernements nationaux ont récemment réformé leurs régimes publics de retraite, souvent en consultation avec les partenaires sociaux, bien que dans certains cas, ils aient rencontré une forte opposition syndicale. Les gouvernements se sont aussi efforcés de promouvoir les régimes de retraite professionnelle, qui ont pris de plus en plus d’importance dans les négociations collectives. Cette étude comparative de l’EIRO examine sous l’angle des relations industrielles les évolutions récentes des retraites dans 18 pays, en s’intéressant principalement aux retraites professionnelles, domaine où les partenaires sociaux jouent souvent un rôle significatif et même parfois prédominant.

• 26 Nov 2004
  Finland: Redundancies put pressure on social partner relations<#PDF_LINK>

  Several large-scale collective redundancies have been announced in the Finnish metalworking and wood processing industries in late 2004. Trade unions have reacted by calling for stronger redundancy protection and holding protest strikes. The strikes have antagonised employers and relations between the social partners have deteriorated. Following almost a decade of growth, industrial employment has been falling sharply since 2002, with the loss of about 40,000 jobs (8% of the total) over this period.

• 26 Nov 2004
  Malta: Government port reform may affect union revenue<#PDF_LINK>

  In autumn 2004, the Maltese government embarked on an exercise aimed at restructuring the country's current port system. This reform may affect around 800 workers and may also undermine an important source of revenue for the General Workers’ Union, Malta's largest union.

• 26 Nov 2004
  Ireland: Partnership centre calls for major workplace innovation strategy<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2004, the director of Ireland’s National Centre for Partnership and Performance (NCPP) suggested that if Ireland is to succeed in the premier leagueof international competition, then the introduction of a comprehensive and coordinated national workplace innovation strategy is an economic imperative.

• 26 Nov 2004
  EU Level: Commission consults on musculoskeletal disorders at work<#PDF_LINK>

  In November 2004, the European Commission launched a first consultation of the EU-level social partners on the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. In response to a high and increasing level of this type of health problem, the Commission asks the social partners whether they would like to see a binding EU instrument, a voluntary instrument or an approach that combines the two.

• 26 Nov 2004
  Norway: More women taking on trade union positions<#PDF_LINK>

  A study published in 2004 finds that the number of female trade union representatives in the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) and its member unions has increased since the mid-1990s. At various levels and positions in these organisations, women now often enjoy a level of representation corresponding to their share of the membership. Men, however, are still over-represented in central leadership positions, as well as in leadership positions at the local level.

• 26 Nov 2004
  Norway: Tariff Board votes to extend collective agreements to petroleum installations<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2004, Norway's Tariff Board ruled in favour of a partial extension of three collective agreements at seven onshore petroleum installations - the first such move to extend agreements to non-signatories in recent years. The case was brought by trade unions on the grounds that foreign workers at the seven sites were subject to substandard pay and employment conditions. The decision comes very much as a response to EU enlargement and the prospect of increasing labour migration to Norway from the new Member States.

• 26 Nov 2004
  Greece: Public sector workers strike<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2004, the Confederation of Public Servants (ADEDY) organised a well-supported general strike in the Greek public sector. The trade unions are demanding pay rises and improvements in areas such as family and maternity allowances, conditions for workers in unhealthy and arduous jobs, and staff promotions.

• 25 Nov 2004
  Germany: New studies examine effects of dismissal protection<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2004, the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) published a study investigating the impact of Germany's dismissal protection legislation on employment in small establishments. It finds that the stringency of this legislation has no significant effect on labour turnover in such establishments. Nonetheless, the authors conclude that the results are insufficient to claim that constraints on dismissal do not matter at all. This point is underlined by two other recent studies: one finds that strict dismissal protection can have a negative impact on firms’ hiring decisions; and the other concludes that such protection can increase the rate of economic growth that must be reached for employment to rise.

• 25 Nov 2004
  Germany: Agreements on cost-cutting and job security signed at Volkswagen<#PDF_LINK>

  In November 2004, after six rounds of negotiations and a number of warning strikes involving about 100,000 employees, the bargaining parties at Volkswagen (VW) signed a new package of agreements on pay and job security. The compromise, which ended the 2004 bargaining round at Germany's biggest car manufacturer, includes a number of concessions by the IG Metall trade union, in particular a pay freeze until 2007, in exchange for a company promise to safeguard employment until 2011 and make further investments to secure the future of German VW plants. It is estimated that the deal will save the company EUR 1 billion per year in labour costs.

• 23 Nov 2004
  Czech Republic: Controversy over police pay rises<#PDF_LINK>

  In the run-up to Senate and regional council elections in November 2004, proposals to give police officers a major pay rise provoked controversy in the Czech Republic.

• 23 Nov 2004
  Czech Republic: Restrictions proposed on supermarket opening hours<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2004, a group of parliamentary deputies from the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSCM) and Czech Social Democratic Party (CSSD) put before parliament a bill that would prevent larger supermarkets from opening at nights and on public holidays. The proposal was originated by the OSPO retail workers' trade union, which is concerned about working conditions in supermarkets.

• 23 Nov 2004
  Czech Republic: New ownership affects industrial relations at Ispat Nová huť<#PDF_LINK>

  Ispat Nová huť, the Czech Republic's largest steel producer, was bought by a foreign investor in 2003, and a fifth of the workforce is to be cut by 2005. During 2004, the new management has taken a number of measures that trade unions at the firm see as an attack on their position, and enterprise-level collective bargaining has broken down.

• 23 Nov 2004
  United Kingdom: Civil servants strike over proposed job cuts<#PDF_LINK>

  The first national strike by UK civil servants for more than a decade took place in November 2004. Its main objective was to protest against government plans to cut a large number of civil service posts over the next four years, but the strike also highlighted other issues on which civil service trade unions are in conflict with the government.

• 23 Nov 2004
  Czech Republic: Jobs cut despite economic growth<#PDF_LINK>

  The Czech Republic’s economy has been doing well in 2004, but towards the end of the year the most successful and best-performing firms have started making mass redundancies, or will do so soon. These workforce reductions have not brought about any industrial action as yet and social peace remains intact.

• 23 Nov 2004
  Austria: Industrial disputes hit post-war peak in 2003<#PDF_LINK>

  Statistics published in October 2004 indicate that in 2003 strike activity in Austria reached its highest level since the Second World War. This resulted from large-scale trade union mobilisation, mainly in opposition to government reform plans related to public pensions and the structure of the state-owned Austrian Railways. Experts disagree as to whether the 2003 peak in industrial action was a one-off or marks a turning point in Austrian industrial relations.

• 23 Nov 2004
  Ireland: Uncertainty as consultation Directive deadline nears<#PDF_LINK>

  The EU information and consultation Directive is due to be transposed into Irish law by March 2005 but, with the deadline fast approaching, the draft implementing Bill has not yet been finalised as of November 2004, and there is considerable uncertainty as to the implications of this potentially far-reaching piece of legislation for Irish industrial relations. In view of this, a recent conference on the Directive was timely, and this article reports on the key points raised.

• 23 Nov 2004
  United Kingdom: Pensions crisis under debate<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2004, a government-appointed Pensions Commission published its interim report. This feature highlights some of the key issues raised in the report, and reviews the state of the debate about pension provision in the UK, including the views of trade unions and employers.

• 22 Nov 2004
  Germany: Thematic feature - collective agreements on changes in work organisation<#PDF_LINK>

  This article gives a brief overview of collective bargaining on changes in work organisation in Germany, as of September 2004. It looks at: the extent to which collective agreements introduce changes in work organisation that take into account productivity demands, flexibility and security in an integrated way; the main areas in which changes are being introduced; the overall success or otherwise of bargaining on the topic; and the prospects for the future.

• 22 Nov 2004
  Austria: Thematic feature - collective agreements on changes in work organisation<#PDF_LINK>

  This article gives a brief overview of collective bargaining on changes in work organisation in Austria, as of September 2004. It looks at: the extent to which collective agreements introduce changes in work organisation that take into account productivity demands, flexibility and security in an integrated way; the main areas in which changes are being introduced; the overall success or otherwise of bargaining on the topic; and the prospects for the future.

• 22 Nov 2004
  Finland: Thematic feature - collective agreements on changes in work organisation<#PDF_LINK>

  This article gives a brief overview of collective bargaining on changes in work organisation in Finland, as of September 2004. It looks at: the extent to which collective agreements introduce changes in work organisation that take into account productivity demands, flexibility and security in an integrated way; the main areas in which changes are being introduced; the overall success or otherwise of bargaining on the topic; and the prospects for the future.

• 22 Nov 2004
  United Kingdom: Thematic feature - collective agreements on changes in work organisation<#PDF_LINK>

  This article gives a brief overview of collective bargaining on changes in work organisation in the UK, as of September 2004. It looks at: the extent to which collective agreements introduce changes in work organisation that take into account productivity demands, flexibility and security in an integrated way; the main areas in which changes are being introduced; the overall success or otherwise of bargaining on the topic; and the prospects for the future.

• 22 Nov 2004
  United Kingdom: CBI surveys employment practice<#PDF_LINK>

  The Confederation of British Industry’s annual employment trends survey, published in September 2004, highlights employer concerns about employment tribunal claims, EU regulation and increases in the national minimum wage.

• 22 Nov 2004
  EU Level: EWC practice surveyed<#PDF_LINK>

  A survey of major multinational companies released in 2004 highlights key trends in European Works Council (EWC) practice and employer concerns about the potential revision of the EWCs Directive.

• 17 Nov 2004
  EU Countries: Le congé pour raisons familiales et les relations industrielles<#PDF_LINK>

  Les différentes formes de congé pour raisons familiales constituent une question clé dans le cadre des nombreuses tentatives de conciliation de la vie professionnelle et familiale en Europe. Ce type de congé a fait l’objet d’une attention croissante au cours de ces dernières années, tant de la part des législateurs (souvent suite à une directive européenne) que des partenaires sociaux. Cette étude examine la situation actuelle dans 19 États membres de l’UE et en Norvège, en termes de législation et de négociation collective sur les principales formes de congé pour raisons familiales - congé de maternité, congé de paternité, congé parental et congé pour raisons familiales urgentes - ainsi que les opinions des syndicats et des employeurs sur la question. Elle évalue aussi l’impact des congés pour raisons familiales sur l’égalité entre les hommes et les femmes.

• 12 Nov 2004
  Slovakia: European Works Councils - law and practice<#PDF_LINK>

  This article examines the implementation into Slovak law of the EU Directive on European Works Councils (EWCs), and the country's experience of EWCs, as of autumn 2004.

• 12 Nov 2004
  Slovenia: European Works Councils - law and practice<#PDF_LINK>

  This article examines the implementation into Slovenian law of the EU Directive on European Works Councils (EWCs), and the country's experience of EWCs, as of autumn 2004.

• 11 Nov 2004
  EU Countries: Developments in European Works Councils<#PDF_LINK>

  This study reviews key developments concerning European Works Councils (EWCs) over the period 2002-4. It looks at the incidence of EWC agreements and their renegotiation, the influence of EWCs on the handling of transnational restructuring, legal cases involving EWCs, the impact of EU enlargement on EWCs, and the debate about how best to enhance the effectiveness of EWCs, including the possible revision of the EWCs Directive.

• 11 Nov 2004
  Greece: New collective agreement signed at DEI<#PDF_LINK>

  A new company-level collective agreement was signed at Greece's Public Power Corporation (DEI) in June 2004. As well as pay increases of 12.2% over two years, the accord includes funding for DEI staff and trade unionists to make contacts with their counterparts in other EU countries.

• 11 Nov 2004
  Italy: Employers and unions make joint call for measures to assist textiles sector<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2004, trade unions and employers’ organisations in Italy's crisis-hit textiles sector signed a joint document on industrial policy. The social partners will present the document to the government and ask it to include measures to help the industry in the 2005 state budget.

• 10 Nov 2004
  EU Level: Day of action against GM job cuts<#PDF_LINK>

  Thousands of General Motors (GM) workers took part in a European day of action in October 2004 in protest against company plans to reduce its European workforce in order to make significant cost savings.

• 10 Nov 2004
  Slovenia: Union opposes employer proposal to increase working time<#PDF_LINK>

  In November 2004, the Metal and Electro Industries Trade Union of Slovenia (SKEI) strongly opposed a proposal made by some employers to change current legislation so as to allow employers to increase their employees' working time by 120 hours a year, half of it unpaid. SKEI sees the proposal - which refers to recent agreements in Germany - as humiliatingfor workers, and argues that it will neither create nor preserve jobs.

• 10 Nov 2004
  Greece: Unions crtiticise TV game show with jobs as prizes<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2004 a Greek television channel began airing a game show in which two unemployed people compete for a job. The programme provoked strong opposition from the trade union movement, which sees it as exploiting the social problem of unemployment.

• 10 Nov 2004
  Denmark: Nordic trade union formed at Nordea<#PDF_LINK>

  Nordea, the Nordic financial services company, intends to be one of the first multinationals to make use of the European Company Statute, which came into force in October 2004. With Nordea thus planning to operate at overall European level, four trade unions organising its employees in the Nordic countries have formed a single transnational Nordea trade union organisation in response.

• 10 Nov 2004
  Sweden: ECHR rules on impartiality of Swedish Labour Court<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2004, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled on whether the Swedish Labour Court - which includes representatives of employers' organisations and trade unions - can be considered as impartial, as required by the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. The ECHR found that the Labour Courts composition does not make it partial.

• 10 Nov 2004
  Greece: DANE Sea Line employees receive part of back pay<#PDF_LINK>

  In autumn 2004, the crews of three ships owned by DANE Sea Line were finally able to collect part of the back pay owed to them, after trade unions and the Greek Ministry of Merchant Marine intervened to set in motion the process of auctioning off the company’s assets to meet its obligations.

• 10 Nov 2004
  Poland: Social partners to negotiate implementation of EU information and consultation Directive<#PDF_LINK>

  In summer 2004, the Polish government sought the views of the social partners on a draft proposal for legislation to implement the 2002 EU Directive on information and consultation. Both employers' organisations and trade unions were critical of the government's plans and in October they decided to launch bipartite talks on the subject, without government participation. The government has accepted this arrangement, which is unprecedented in Poland. If the social partners find common ground, their joint proposal will be presented to the government, which will probably accept it.

• 10 Nov 2004
  Slovakia: Government increases minimum wage<#PDF_LINK>

  From 1 October 2004, the Slovak government has increased the national minimum wage by 6.9%, after the social partners failed to agree on what the rise should be. Employers´ representatives are happy with the new rate, but trade unions had demanded a greater increase.

• 10 Nov 2004
  Netherlands: Tripartite agreement follows turbulent autumn<#PDF_LINK>

  During autumn 2004, Dutch trade unions organised strikes and demonstrations in protest at the government's reform plans in various areas, including early retirement, unemployment benefit, disability insurance and the extension of collective agreements. In November, a social agreementwas signed by the government, unions and employers, which moderates some of the reform plans.

• 10 Nov 2004
  Lithuania: Law on works councils adopted<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2004, after more than two years of debate between the social partners, the Lithuanian parliament finally adopted a law introducing works councils. These new employee representative bodies may be established in enterprises with or more 20 employees where there is no trade union present.

• 09 Nov 2004
  Finland: Incomes policy negotiations begin amid discord<#PDF_LINK>

  Finland's central social partner organisations started talks over a new national incomes policy agreement in early November 2004. Differences between employers and trade unions are considered especially serious on this occasion - the nature of pay policy, the level of pay increases and qualitativemeasures such as redundancy protection and contractor responsibility are all contested.

• 09 Nov 2004
  Finland: Poll finds strong public support for union organisation<#PDF_LINK>

  According to the findings of a opinion poll published in September 2004, 89% of people in Finland consider trade union organisation to be important. The survey also indicates that a majority value the work of the union confederations and that the principal reason for belonging to a union is increased pay and job security.

• 09 Nov 2004
  Belgium: Government appeals to social partners<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2004, the Belgian Prime Minister presented his government's general policy statement to parliament. It included calls to the social partners to exercise pay moderation, negotiate on working hours and overtime, and engage in consultations on early retirement reform. The social partners had mixed reactions.

• 09 Nov 2004
  Spain: CC.OO sets out objectives for social dialogue<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2004, the CC.OO trade union confederation assessed the renewed tripartite social dialogue that has been under way under the new Socialist government since July, and set out a number of short-, medium- and long-term objectives.

• 09 Nov 2004
  Poland: Entrepreneurship Council gains importance<#PDF_LINK>

  In 2002, 11 major Polish business and employers' organisations set up an informal cooperation group called the Entrepreneurship Council. By late 2004, the Council has become an important forum and a channel for business involvement in areas such as economic development strategy, public finance reform and a new law on the freedom to conduct business activities.

• 09 Nov 2004
  Sweden: Aviation agreement signed without industrial action<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2004, a new pay agreement for 2004-7 was signed for baggage-handlers, service and maintenance workers in the Swedish aviation sector, following mediation. The settlement prevented industrial action planned by the Swedish Transport Workers’ Union, mainly directed at the SAS airline.

• 09 Nov 2004
  Bulgaria: Compensation for hazardous work under debate<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2004, a key issue in Bulgarian industrial relations has been the current system of compensating workers for hazardous working conditions, which is seen as incompatible with EU norms.

• 09 Nov 2004
  France: EDF pension scheme incorporated into general system<#PDF_LINK>

  The legal status of France's state-owned electricity and gas companies, EDF and GDF, was amended in August 2004, allowing some of their capital to be floated on the stock market. Their special pension schemes are to be incorporated into the general system, and in October an agreement was reached on the transfer of the EDF scheme.

• 09 Nov 2004
  France: Reform of survivors' pensions is suspended<#PDF_LINK>

  As part of France's recent pensions reform, a decree tightening the eligibility rules for survivors' pensions was published in August 2004. The trade unions were unanimous in their opposition to this change, and in September the government suspended its application.

• 09 Nov 2004
  Romania: BNS and CNSLR Frăţia merger plan postponed<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2004, shortly before the date set for a joint merger congress, the National Trade Union Bloc (BNS) and the National Confederation of Free Trade Unions in Romania Brotherhood (CNSLR Frăţia) - two of Romania's five nationally representative trade union confederations - announced a decision to postpone their unification until 2005..

• 09 Nov 2004
  Estonia: Social partners seek cut in unemployment insurance contributions<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2004, Estonia's central social partner organisations called for unemployment insurance contributions to be cut in 2005. The board of the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund thus made a proposal to the government to decrease the employers’ contribution from 0.5% of gross payroll to 0.35% and the employees’ contribution from 1% of pay to 0.7%. It is possible that the decrease will not be implemented until 2006.

• 09 Nov 2004
  EU Level: EU-level social dialogue progresses in chemicals sector<#PDF_LINK>

  In September 2004, the EU-level social partners in the chemicals sector stated that they will ask the European Commission to create a formal social dialogue committee for this industry. This follows a period of cooperation between the partners, which has most recently resulted in a joint position paper on education, vocational training and lifelong learning.

• 08 Nov 2004
  United Kingdom: Employment Relations Act 2004 begins to come into force<#PDF_LINK>

  The Employment Relations Act 2004 reached the UK statute book in September 2004 and a cluster of its provisions were brought into force in October. This article highlights the key measures contained in the new legislation.

• 08 Nov 2004
  Belgium: Protests as DHL abandons expansion in Brussels<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2004, the express courier company DHL abandoned plans to develop its activities at Brussels airport. Potentially, this decision threatens 1,700 jobs by 2008. Trade unions have responded with a strike and a protest march for employment.

• 08 Nov 2004
  Ireland: DHL recognises union<#PDF_LINK>

  In a breakthrough for the Services Industrial Professional and Technical Union (SIPTU), in September 2004 DHL Express accorded it full recognition for the courier company's 1,000-strong workforce in Ireland.

• 08 Nov 2004
  Hungary: European Works Councils - law and practice<#PDF_LINK>

  This article examines the implementation into Hungarian law of the EU Directive on European Works Councils (EWCs), and the country's experience of EWCs, as of autumn 2004.

• 08 Nov 2004
  Malta: Teachers' union concerned about proposed education reforms<#PDF_LINK>

  The Maltese government has announced a radical plan to reform the management of the schools system. In October 2004, the Malta Union of Teachers alleged that it was not properly consulted before these plans were made public, and expressed concern about issues such as a possible deterioration in teachers’ working conditions.

• 08 Nov 2004
  Germany: Doorn group opposes general extension of working time<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2004, the Doorn groupof trade unions from Belgium, France, Germany Luxembourg and the Netherlands met in Berlin to discuss current challenges facing collective bargaining. The group issued a joint declaration in which it rejected all attempts and initiatives by employers or the European Commission in favour of a general extension of working time.

• 08 Nov 2004
  Austria: Controversy over bank's 'agreement hopping'<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2004, the management of Austria's BA-CA bank announced that it was leaving the savings banks employers' association and joining the commercial banks association. The aim is to switch from the savings banks collective agreement, whose pay and conditions are deemed too expensive, and move to the cheaper commercial banks agreement. Such agreement hoppinghas hitherto not occurred in Austria. The BA-CA works council and the GPA trade union oppose the move and are bringing a court case and preparing industrial action.

• 05 Nov 2004
  Bulgaria: Trade unions oppose government wage restraint plans<#PDF_LINK>

  In August 2004, the Bulgarian government set out its economic and financial policy plans for 2005-7, which include a restrictive incomes policy. Trade unions oppose the planned wage restraint and also proposals to liberalise some areas of labour law.

• 05 Nov 2004
  Bulgaria: Research examines employers' recruitment needs<#PDF_LINK>

  According to a study conducted in summer 2004 by Alfa Research, over half of Bulgarian employers are planning new recruitment over the coming year. Employers place great emphasis in recruitment on skills and experience, rather than education, though there is still a major demand for workers at the lower end of the skill spectrum.

• 04 Nov 2004
  Poland: Industrial action in 2003<#PDF_LINK>

  According to official figures published in 2004, there were 24 strikes in Poland in 2003, up from only one in 2002. The total number of protest actions - including pickets, demonstrations, road-blocks etc - also increased, by nearly 50%. A notable feature of 2003 was that strikes began to break out at newly established private businesses.

• 04 Nov 2004
  Poland: Youth employment measures assessed<#PDF_LINK>

  In autumn 2004, Poland's First Job programme has been in operation for over two years. Its principal objectives are the vocational activation of young people and facilitating their entry into the labour market. The programme's track record indicates that, in spite of numerous difficulties, these basic objectives are being furthered. The steps taken to date were endorsed by audit proceedings carried out by the Supreme Chamber of Control (NIK) and published in May 2004.

• 04 Nov 2004
  Slovenia: Journalists strike over collective agreement<#PDF_LINK>

  Journalists in Slovenia went on strike in early October 2004 in a dispute over renewal of their national collective agreement, with the Union of Slovenian Journalists (SNS) demanding talks with employers over changes to the agreement, including higher pay scales. The strike was suspended after three days. While the employers did not accept all the union's demands, negotiations have started.

• 04 Nov 2004
  Poland: New commercial activity law in force<#PDF_LINK>

  In August 2004, most provisions of a long-awaited Act on independent commercial activity came into force in Poland. The new legislation, which has been dubbed the constitution for entrepreneurs, differs considerably from the previous rules. Employers' organisations have made varying assessments of the new Act, and pointed out some perceived inconsistencies in its regulations.

• 04 Nov 2004
  Slovakia: Employment of people with disabilities examined<#PDF_LINK>

  The employment of people with disabilities is the subject of detailed legislation in Slovakia, and the legal framework was overhauled in 2004, for example to ban discrimination against disabled people at work. Nevertheless, research indicates that the situation is still unsatisfactory. Moreover, the issue is not subject to collective bargaining. However, it is expected that the new legislation and use of the European Social Fund will improve the situation.

• 04 Nov 2004
  Hungary: New legislation regulates telework<#PDF_LINK>

  Successive governments in Hungary have promoted telework as part of their labour market policy, and in May 2004 regulations on telework in an employment relationship were added to the Labour Code. The new rules mainly follow the provisions of the July 2002 framework agreement on telework signed by the EU-level social partners.

• 04 Nov 2004
  Romania: Pay dispute continues in education<#PDF_LINK>

  In spring and autumn 2004, trade unions in the Romanian education sector organised protest actions to support demands for a staged doubling of wages by the end of the year. By October, only a temporary compromise has been reached with the government, and consultations are being held to draw up a new pay law for education staff and to establish the calendar of future wage increases.

• 03 Nov 2004
  Poland: Debate over minimum wage for 2005<#PDF_LINK>

  In the context of debate over the government's draft state budget for 2005, Poland's Tripartite Commission for Social and Economic Affairs has been debating the level of the national minimum wage. The government has proposed a 3% increase in 2005, which is supported by employers but opposed by trade unions, which want a larger rise. With no compromise reached by October 2004, it appears that the government's proposal will prevail.

• 03 Nov 2004
  Netherlands: Government to deduct dismissal compensation from unemployment benefits<#PDF_LINK>

  In early September 2004, the Dutch Minister of Social Affairs and Employment announced that, from 2005, compensation awarded to dismissed employees would subsequently be deducted from their unemployment benefits. Following a wave of sharp criticism from trade unions, employers, the opposition and even some parties in the ruling coalition parties, the government decided to tone down the proposals somewhat.

• 03 Nov 2004
  Latvia: Tripartite dialogue renewed<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2004, the Latvian Prime Minister, the Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia (LBAS) and the Latvian Employers’ Confederation (LDDK) signed a tripartite agreement on socioeconomic partnership. The agreement renews and strengthens the country's mechanisms of tripartite dialogue, notably through the National Tripartite Cooperation Council. It provides for consultation on national domestic policy issues, and cooperation in contributing to the development and implementation of EU policy and legislation.

• 02 Nov 2004
  Spain: Rsearch examines flexible working time, female employment and family life<#PDF_LINK>

  This article reviews recent research on the relationship between working time and daily life in Spain. These studies indicate that there are still major gender inequalities in the use of time and that in general women have a greater total workload (paid and unpaid) than men. The research also suggests that new forms of flexible working time generate new difficulties in the organisation of daily life and new inequalities. These are particularly important for women, whose increasing employment in services is leading to an increase in the number of jobs with unsociable working hours.

• 02 Nov 2004
  Spain: CES examines immigration and the labour market<#PDF_LINK>

  In July 2004, the tripartite Economic and Social Council (CES) adopted a report examining the phenomenon of immigration in Spain, stressing the increasing importance of immigrants from non-EU countries from the viewpoint of integration in the labour market. In addition to providing figures, the report makes recommendations for improving the integration of immigrants into the labour market.

• 02 Nov 2004
  Italy: Agreements reached over Alitalia restructuring<#PDF_LINK>

  September and October 2004 saw a series of agreements aimed at restructuring and relaunching Italy's troubled national airline, Alitalia. Agreements have been signed within the company changing the employment conditions of pilots, flight attendants and ground staff, and on a restructuring plan and new corporate structure. An accord has also been reached with the Italian government on measures to help redundant workers. The Alitalia workforce will be cut by some 3,700 under the agreed restructuring measures.

• 02 Nov 2004
  Spain: Izar shipyards rescue plan proves controversial<#PDF_LINK>

  In autumn 2004, workers at Spain's publicly-owned Izar shipyards have taken strike action as part of a wave of protests over a rescue plan for the troubled group. This will involve job losses, the division of operations into military and civil shipyards, partial privatisation and the possible geographical redeployment of employees.

• 02 Nov 2004
  Lithuania: Employers' organisations agree cooperation<#PDF_LINK>

  There are two central employers’ organisations in Lithuania - the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists (LPK), which traditionally represents larger businesses, and the Lithuanian Business Employers' Confederation (LVDK), which covers SMEs. In September 2004, the two organisations signed a memorandum and agreement to foster greater cooperation.

• 02 Nov 2004
  Greece: Study examines employment of immigrants<#PDF_LINK>

  In autumn 2004, a new study by the National Employment Observatory/Research Informatics SA casts light on the economic and social integration of immigrants in Greece. The research examines immigrants' jobs, working time, pay, job-seeking activity and social insurance.

• 01 Nov 2004
  France: New sickness insurance legislation adopted<#PDF_LINK>

  A new law overhauling France's jointly-managed sickness insurance system was adopted in August 2004, though many details of its implementation remain to be clarified. How effective the legislation will be is still a subject of much debate. The 2005 budget estimates published in September indicate that, despite the reform, the financial difficulties facing the sickness insurance system remain. Trade unions are critical of the new measures.

• 01 Nov 2004
  Italy: 'Staff leasing' gets under way<#PDF_LINK>

  On the basis of a 2003 labour market reform law, a new contractual arrangement known as staff leasing- both open-ended and fixed term - was introduced in Italy in August-September 2004. The new scheme replaces temporary agency work. In August, the largest temporary work agency associations applied to the Ministry of Labour for enrolment on a new register of staff leasing agencies, while in September the cabinet definitively approved the rules on staff leasing. The employers’ associations have welcomed the new system, while the Cgil trade union confederation is critical of it.

• 01 Nov 2004
  France: Decentralisation has implications for state employees<#PDF_LINK>

  Legislation devolving new responsibilities to France's regions and départements came into force in August 2004. One result is the transfer of some 130,000 state employees to lower levels of government. These include 90,000 non-teaching staff in the national education system, and their transfer is a source of concern for trade unions and local authorities alike. Devolved staff will be able to retain their current career paths, compensation schemes, working time arrangements and benefit packages.

• 01 Nov 2004
  Greece: Austerity policy is unwarranted, states INE<#PDF_LINK>

  In September 2004, the Institute of Labour (INE) of the Greek General Confederation of Labour (GSEE) and the Confederation of Public Servants (ADEDY) published its Annual Economic and Employment Outlook - a key document setting out the Greek trade union movement's economic and labour market policy proposals. The report concludes that a rise in domestic demand has been the driving force behind Greece's current high rates of economic growth and profitability, and that further actions are required to support and stimulate such demand.