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October 2005

• 31 Oct 2005
  Poland: Bonus payments dispute at KGHM settled<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2005, the management of Poland's KGHM copper conglomerate signed an agreement with trade unions that put an end to a collective dispute that had broken out in September. The agreement provides that all 17,000 KGHM employees will receive a bonus payment equal to one month's wages. The unions had demanded bonuses on the grounds of higher-than-predicted profits made by the company.

• 31 Oct 2005
  Poland: The social partners and the elections<#PDF_LINK>

  September-October 2005 saw both a parliamentary election and a presidential election in Poland. This article examines the role of trade unions and employers' organisations in the elections. While they did not actively involve themselves in the electoral process, some of their members ran for elected office, in some cases successfully, on behalf of many parties, and the governing bodies of various social partner organisations expressed clear preferences in both elections .

• 31 Oct 2005
  Poland: New Labour Code proposed<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2005, a government-appointed Labour Law Codification Commission presented proposals for a new Polish Labour Code. Alongside a codification of individual and collective labour law, the proposals include changes to current rules in a number of areas, including dismissals, and the introduction of a right for employers to conduct lock-outs. The social partners have given a mixed response to the plans. 

• 31 Oct 2005
  Latvia: Unions and employers want to strengthen national tripartite dialogue<#PDF_LINK>

  Trade union and employers' organisations claim that in Latvia social dialogue exists in words but not deeds. While there is an operational National Tripartite Cooperation Council, they argue that it deals with only a limited range of issues. Particularly since the 2002 parliamentary elections, the government has allegedly been less willing to cooperate with the social partners on resolving social issues and preparing the state budget. In autumn 2005, the social partners are calling on the government to improve national tripartite social dialogue.

• 31 Oct 2005
  Norway: Employers may be violating privacy laws when accessing employees’ e-mail<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2005, the Norwegian Data Inspectorate filed two formal complaints against companies for allegedly breaching the Act relating to the processing of personal data. In both cases, the main charges relate to management’s right to access and read e-mail correspondence to and from their own employees.

• 31 Oct 2005
  Hungary: Government proposes increased powers for labour inspectors <#PDF_LINK>

  In autumn 2005, the Hungarian parliament is considering a government bill that would increase the powers of labour inspectors and increase the fines on employers that breach employment law. The aim of the proposed changes is to crack down on undeclared work. Employers' organisations have objected to many aspects of the amendments.

• 28 Oct 2005
  Sweden: Gap between blue-collar and white-collar pay increases<#PDF_LINK>

  According to a report published by the Swedish Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) in September 2005, blue-collar workers were on average paid 43% less than white-collar workers in 2004. This wage gap is increasing, having stood at 34% in 2004. LO believes that changes need to be made to Sweden's current wage-formation system in order to narrow the gap.

• 28 Oct 2005
  Romania: Government proposes new regulations on guaranteed minimum income<#PDF_LINK>

  In September 2005, following consultation with the social partners, the Romanian government adopted a bill making amendments to the guaranteed minimum income scheme, which seeks to alleviate poverty. There have been criticisms that the real value of the guaranteed minimum income has been falling.

• 28 Oct 2005
  Netherlands: New union created for young employees<#PDF_LINK>

  An independent trade union aimed at young workers and freelancers was set up in the Netherlands in October 2005. The new Alternative Trade Union (AVV) is critical of employers and the existing trade unions, claiming they take into account only the interests of older workers and neglect the interests of the young. Specific issues highlighted by AVV include early retirement, pensions and dismissal protection. AVV also criticises what it sees as the undemocratic internal organisation of traditional unions. It hopes to gain a seat in collective bargaining and on consultative bodies.

• 27 Oct 2005
  France: 2003 works council election results and new worker representation rules for SMEs<#PDF_LINK>

  Legislation passed in France in August 2005 makes several amendments to labour law, including the rule on worker representation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Meanwhile, official statistics on the outcome of the 2003 works council elections were published in September.

• 27 Oct 2005
  France: National intersectoral agreement reached on telework<#PDF_LINK>

  In July 2005, the French social partners reached a draft national intersectoral agreement on telework, which was to be ratified by the end of September. The accord transposes the 2002 EU-level framework agreement on telework, the first time that this has been done by collective bargaining in France. The new agreement is seen as practical example of a new approach to social dialogue.

• 27 Oct 2005
  Italy: Journalists strike over bargaining deadlock<#PDF_LINK>

  The national collective agreement covering Italian journalists expired in February 2005. In the negotiations over the renewal of the agreement, the positions of the journalists’ trade union and the employers’ association have been far apart, especially on issues concerning the labour market and regulation of freelance journalism. After a two-day strike held by the union at the beginning of June 2005, negotiations - which seemed close to reaching a deal - were once again interrupted in mid-September when the union announced another two-day strike.

• 27 Oct 2005
  Denmark: Pursuit of compensation 'weakens bargaining culture'<#PDF_LINK>

  Danish trade unions have been obtaining increasing amounts of compensation for their members through lawsuits or arbitration in the past few years. However, their increasing effectiveness and success in this area come at a price, according to a report from the FAOS research centre, published in September 2005. The study claims that a greater focus on individual court cases may weaken the bargaining culture.

• 26 Oct 2005
  Greece: Media workers take strike action<#PDF_LINK>

  Greek media workers’ trade unions called a four-hour work stoppage and held a protest meeting on 12 October 2005. Their action was in protest at both employment conditions in the media sector and specific developments in individual enterprises, notably the Flash radio station and online news service.

• 26 Oct 2005
  Norway: New government halts deregulation of employment protection<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2005, a new coalition government of the Labour Party, the Socialist Left Party and the Centre Party took office in Norway. One of the aims of the new government, which has a majority in parliament, is to reverse previously approved changes to the legal framework on temporary employment and overtime. It also plans new initiatives in areas such as gender equality, working time and social dumping.

• 26 Oct 2005
  Austria: Industrial relations in private adult education sector examined<#PDF_LINK>

  A first collective agreement was concluded in Austria’s private adult education sector in February 2005. However, it appears that the sector’s overall employment conditions have not improved. This is thought to be partly due to the agreement’s limited coverage, but also a result of a legal framework that critics see as stimulating unfair competition. In particular, the widespread practice among many training institutions of replacing standard employment relationships with free service contractsor contracts for workreportedly tends to damage the sector’s labour market in terms of pay and minimum quality standards.

• 26 Oct 2005
  Malta: GWU leaders re-elected after heated campaign<#PDF_LINK>

  At a congress held in October 2005, the General Workers' Union, the largest trade union in Malta, for the first time elected the five members of its administrative council by a secret ballot of delegates. All four incumbents who stood for re-election - including the secretary general - were successful in the election, which attracted considerable interest from the media.

• 25 Oct 2005
  Belgium: FGTB/ABVV holds 24-hour general strike<#PDF_LINK>

  The FGTB/ABVV trade union confederation organised a 24-hour general strike in Belgium on 7 October 2005, mainly directed against the government’s plans for amended end-of-careerand retirement arrangements. The 24-hour strike particularly affected public services such as public transport, postal services, telecommunications and electricity, which are currently undergoing restructuring initiatives prompted by liberalisation and privatisation. The action fuelled debate on the right to strike in public services.

• 25 Oct 2005
  Belgium: Walloon government launches plan for economic recovery<#PDF_LINK>

  In August 2005, the government of Belgium's Wallonia region launched an action plan aimed at reinvigorating the regional economy. All of the social partners approve of this initiative, but the trade unions call for a social dimensionto be implemented in parallel to the plan.

• 25 Oct 2005
  Spain: Employment and industrial relations in tourism examined<#PDF_LINK>

  Spain's tourism industry has grown rapidly in recent years, and now represents 12% of GDP. However, in 2005 it is showing the first signs of exhaustion of demand and facing increasing international competition. The rapid growth is also thought to have created problems related to employment, urban and regional development, the environment and culture. Trade unions are calling for greater job stability and less seasonal work in order to offer a service of greater quality that focuses less on low prices. The employers call for labour flexibility and a general increase in the promotion of the sector.

• 25 Oct 2005
  Lithuania: Legal framework for industrial action under debate<#PDF_LINK>

  In autumn 2005, both trade unions and employers' organisations are calling for changes to Lithuania's legislation regulating industrial action. Unions argue that the relevant provisions of the Labour Code hinder strikes, with the conditions for calling a strike in practice preventing employees of some companies from taking such action. Employers want the Labour Code to recognise lock-outs, which are not regulated at present.

• 25 Oct 2005
  Greece: INE-GSEE/ADEDY report calls for new development model<#PDF_LINK>

  In September 2005, the Institute of Labour (INE) of the Greek General Confederation of Labour (GSEE) and Confederation of Public Servants (ADEDY) published its annual report on the economy and employment. The report examines the most important developments in the economy, industrial relations, social policy and employment, and argues that Greece needs a new model of development

• 24 Oct 2005
  United Kingdom: CBI publishes survey of employment trends<#PDF_LINK>

  The Confederation of British Industry’s latest annual employment trends survey, published in September 2005, highlights employer concerns about the impact both of existing employment legislation and of prospective regulatory developments at national and EU level.

• 24 Oct 2005
  Ireland: Union density declines to around a third<#PDF_LINK>

  According to official statistics published in September 2005, trade union membership in Ireland rose by around 20% from 1994 to 2004, to stand at 521,400. However, union density as a proportion of all employees fell from 46% to 35% , with private sector union density now standing at around 21%. A range of factors are thought to be influencing this trend, not least the impact of global economic forces.

• 24 Oct 2005
  Germany: New survey findings on works councils and decentralisation of bargaining<#PDF_LINK>

  In June 2005, Germany's Institute for Economic and Social Research (WSI) presented the first results of its fourth works and staff council survey, which - among other matters - explores the spread of on-top paymentsand profit-sharing and the attitudes of works councils towards the decentralisation of collective bargaining. Against the background of continuing discussions about the decentralisation of collective bargaining after the general election in September 2005, the results confirm the findings from the previous survey in 2002 that a majority of members of works councils do not want a further decentralisation of bargaining.

• 24 Oct 2005
  United Kingdom: Concern over bullying in the workplace<#PDF_LINK>

  A number of surveys have highlighted the cost of workplace bullying to individuals and to organisations in the UK in the run-up to Ban bullying at work dayin November 2005. Trade unions state that much of the problem is managerial abuse of power, though they are joined by managers’ own professional associations in calling for action.

• 24 Oct 2005
  United Kingdom: Uncertainty continues following sale of MG Rover to Nanjing Automobile Corporation<#PDF_LINK>

  Three months after the surprise sale of MG Rover’s assets to the Nanjing Automobile Corporation in July 2005, uncertainty remains over the future of the Longbridge plant in the UK as the relocation of the engine plant to China takes place. This article outlines the events surrounding the sale of MG Rover and the consequences for the local economy.

• 24 Oct 2005
  Germany: Federal Employment Agency intensifies debate on unemployment insurance contributions<#PDF_LINK>

  At the end of September 2005, Germany's Federal Employment Agency (BA) published the latest figures on unemployment and on levels of participation in active labour-market programmes. The BA has proposed a reduction in the contribution rate for unemployment insurance by 0.5 percentage points from July 2006. It argues that such a reduction would improve the conditions for creating new jobs. The announcement, which produced a mixed reaction from the social partners, continues a lively debate on lower contribution rates that was started during the recent general election campaign.

• 24 Oct 2005
  EU Level: Summit marks 20 years of EU social dialogue <#PDF_LINK>

  In September 2005, representatives of trade union and employers' organisations and of the EU institutions met to celebrate 20 years of European-level social dialogue. The summit highlighted achievements to date and discussed the way forward.

• 24 Oct 2005
  EU Level: EMF holds fifth collective bargaining conference<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2005, the European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) held a collective bargaining conference, focusing on three key issues: collective bargaining coordination; the reduction of precarious employment; and the launch of a common demand on an individual right to training.

• 24 Oct 2005
  Finland: Independent unemployment insurance fund 'undermining unions'<#PDF_LINK>

  Until 1992, trade unions administered all unemployment insurance funds in Finland - becoming a member of a fund simultaneously meant joining a union. Since 1992, unions have had to compete with an independent fund, YTK, whose membership reached a quarter of a million, or 10% of the labour force, in October 2005 and continues to grow. The link between union membership and the entitlement to earnings-related unemployment benefits is being increasingly eroded by the success of YTK, recent research indicates.

• 20 Oct 2005
  Poland: Industrial relations in the brewing industry<#PDF_LINK>

  In Poland, almost all brewery companies are owned by foreign capital. Perhaps on account of this, they tend to have well organised systems of industrial relations, with active social dialogue and relatively high standards of working conditions. This article outlines the system of industrial relations in brewery companies.  

• 19 Oct 2005
  Romania: New continuing vocational training policy launched<#PDF_LINK>

  In Romania, a new strategy for continuing vocational training for 2005-2010 was approved by Government Decision No. 857/28.07.2005. The strategy takes into account the Lisbon objective, focusing on the competitiveness and dynamics of knowledge-based economic growth, more and better jobs, and increased social cohesion.

• 19 Oct 2005
  Slovenia: Draft Law on Collective Agreements still under discussion<#PDF_LINK>

  The draft Law on Collective Agreements has been under consideration by parliament since 1994. Following the election of a new government in October 2004, the draft legislation was rendered void. The government and the social partners could not agree on the regulation of certain basic issues. In addition, the proposed regulations relating to other matters have been called into question and will have to be changed.

• 19 Oct 2005
  Netherlands: Collective agreements signed for civil servants<#PDF_LINK>

  During 2005, collective agreements for one million government employees are being negotiated under pressure for better performance at a lower cost. The biggest cutbacks relate to staff costs: many civil servants leave on the basis of early retirement schemes. Early retirement schemes are likewise under scrutiny in collective bargaining in this sector of the economy. The police force and city cleaning services came out on strike largely because of this. In its role as an employer, the government finds itself facing an ageing workforce. Expectations are that the younger staff members needed will either not be there in the future or will not choose to work for government. Under heavy pressure, a collective agreement emerged for government employees, in which transition measures have been put in place concerning (early) retirement. Younger staff members can build up new rights in the form of life-course leave arrangements, and older employees can forfeit early retirement rights.

• 19 Oct 2005
  Spain: Working time autonomy in companies<#PDF_LINK>

  This article is based on analysis of recent figures from the INE on the organisation and duration of working time. The data reveal that, while entrepreneurs of large firms work longer hours, they have greater autonomy in the management of their time and the content of their work than small business owners, and far greater autonomy than employees.

• 19 Oct 2005
  France: Partial privatisation of Gaz de France<#PDF_LINK>

  Despite repeated union protest action, the French government has proceeded with the partial privatisation of the gas production and distribution company, Gaz de France (GDF). In July 2005, 22% of shares in GDF were floated on the stock exchange with small shareholders and company employees being offered first refusal. Other partial privatisations have also been announced.

• 19 Oct 2005
  France: Privatisation and decentralisation of the French motorways<#PDF_LINK>

  The deadline set by the Ministry of the Economy for bids for the state’s share in three motorway operating companies was 22 August 2005. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport has been putting the finishing touches - not without opposition - to its initiative to transfer the administration of national highways to local authorities (départements) from 1 January 2006.

• 19 Oct 2005
  Italy: Latest trends in atypical employment<#PDF_LINK>

  In August 2005, data released by the Italian Social Security Institute (Inps) show that, in Italy, there are about 3.3 million people in atypical employment, the majority of whom are aged between 30 and 39 years. The gradual increase of social security contributions, as established by the Biagi reform, has boosted the social security purse, but has not changed the pessimistic pension forecasts for this group of workers.

• 19 Oct 2005
  Latvia: Industrial relations activity in the public sector<#PDF_LINK>

  Intensive social reforms in Latvia have resulted in the implementation of social legislation based on innovative principles and providing a wide spectrum of rights in the field of industrial relations. However, so far, the rights granted are not properly used and industrial relations activity is still low. Surprisingly, the activation of industrial relations has started with rather radical measures in the public sector. This feature analyses recent developments in industrial relations in the public sector, the reasons for the change, and the measures used.

• 19 Oct 2005
  Greece: New legislative framework for shop opening hours<#PDF_LINK>

  In late July 2005, new regulations on shop opening hours were introduced in accordance with the passing of Law 3377/2005, regarding Principles and rules for restoring the operation and the development of basic areas of trade and the market and other Ministry of Development issues. A summary of the provisions of the law pertaining to shop opening hours is outlined here, along with the reactions of government bodies and trade unions.

• 19 Oct 2005
  Greece: New law on maximum working time and working time arrangements<#PDF_LINK>

  In August 2005, Law 3385/2005 regarding Regulations on employment promotion, strengthening of social cohesion and other provisionswas passed. The law introduces new regulations on maximum working time and working time arrangements. Outlined here is a summary of the contents of the law, the remarks made by the competent trade unions and the reactions of the government bodies.

• 18 Oct 2005
  Cyprus: Arab Bank announces end of operations in Cyprus<#PDF_LINK>

  In September 2005 Arab Bank addressed a letter to the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance in which it announced the termination of its business activities in Cyprus.

• 13 Oct 2005
  Denmark: Social partners encourage the use of agreement-based jobs on special terms<#PDF_LINK>

  A survey published in September 2005 by the employers’ confederation DA reveals that every seventh of the persons who achieved a so-called flexjob in the first half of 2005 has not fulfilled the normal preconditions. A flexjob is a job on special employment conditions combined with a wage subsidy from the state. The employers’ organisation in industry, DI, and the trade union, 3F, points out that a provision in the social chapters in most collective agreements makes it possible for the local partners to agree on jobs on special terms for persons with reduced working capacity without the interference of the authorities. This possibility is not very known and the organisations encourage the companies to get to know it - and use it - better

• 12 Oct 2005
  France: Strong Opposition to restrictions on Access to Healthcare for Undocumented Migrants<#PDF_LINK>

  Two decrees published in July 2005, implementing more restrictive healthcare eligibility criteria for illegal foreign nationals has met with robust opposition, particularly among trade unions.

• 12 Oct 2005
  Hungary: Court ruling is upheld in Budapest Airport privatisation<#PDF_LINK>

  The Court of the Capital City upheld the appealed ruling of the first instance labour court and declared the privatization tender for Budapest Airport invalid. ÁPV Rt., the state organ in charge of privatization is to call for new tender and has already commenced consultation with employee representatives as required by the Court.

• 11 Oct 2005
  Belgium: Trade unions divided at La Poste<#PDF_LINK>

  The new collective agreement at La Poste failed to win the approval of all workers' representatives. A notice of strike has been filed in Brussels and Flanders. Meanwhile, management has begun the renegotiation of the firm's management contract, even as La Poste gets set to form part of a consortium led by the Danish post office.

• 11 Oct 2005
  Belgium: VW aims to cut costs in Belgium<#PDF_LINK>

  The Volkswagen plant in Brussels, with a workforce of 5,630, is not threatened with shutdown by the German group, but like other group sites it will have to submit to a cost-cutting plan. A new collective agreement is currently being negotiated.

• 11 Oct 2005
  Spain: Concern in the motor industry<#PDF_LINK>

  The Spanish motor industry has been threatened with restructuring for some time because of the unfavourable evolution of the market or the possibility of relocating production. These factors threaten employment stability and lead to pressure to reduce wage costs.

• 11 Oct 2005
  Slovenia: Warning strike of the metalworkers’ union cancelled<#PDF_LINK>

  At the last session of negotiations on a new sectoral collective agreement held on 26 September 2005, the Metal and Electro Industries Trade Union of Slovenia (SKEI) and the employers agreed on a compromise proposal concerning the adjustment of the basic pay. Because a compromise was reached the SKEI cancelled a two-hour warning strike to be held on 27 September 2005 in selected companies of the metal and electrical industries.

• 11 Oct 2005
  Spain: The trade unions and the Government offer different interpretations of the evolution of the industrial accident rate<#PDF_LINK>

  The trade unions and the Government have different views and assessments on the evolution of industrial accidents, based on different sources of information. The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs considers that there has been a decline in this phenomenon, whereas the trade unions UGT and CCOO consider that there has been an increase. The trade unions feel that more action must be taken to deal with this situation, and propose that the intervention of official bodies should be increased.

• 11 Oct 2005
  Italy: Renewal of the national collective agreements school and public sector workers covering the 2004-2005 economic contractual period<#PDF_LINK>

  In September and October 2005 after two years of extenuating negotiations, the Italian trade union organizations representing the workers of the school and public sector and the Aran agency signed the renewal of the national collective agreements for the two sectors covering the 2004-2005 economic contractual period. The first agreements provides for a pay increase of EUR 130 and arrears amounting to EUR 1,600, the second a pay increases of EUR 100.

• 11 Oct 2005
  Italy: Banking trade unions call for resignation of Governor of the Bank of Italy<#PDF_LINK>

  On 27 September 2005, Italian banking trade unions sent a letter to the members of the Bank of Italy’s Superior Council, urging them to annul the mandate of its Governor, Antonio Fazio, in order to safeguard the international reputation of the Bank.

• 10 Oct 2005
  Sweden: A new Equal Opportunities’ Authority proposed by Committee<#PDF_LINK>

  1 August 2005 the Governmental Committee for Equal Opportunities presented its report, among other things a proposal to establish a new Swedish Equal Opportunities’ Authority.

• 10 Oct 2005
  Poland: The NSZZ Solidaritybacks up candidate for President of Poland<#PDF_LINK>

  On 14 September the National Commission of the Independent and Self governing Trade Union Solidarnośćapproved by great majority the statement of support for Lech Kaczyński, who runs for President in this year’s elections. Kaczyński, the co-founder of the Law and Justice Party, declares that when he becomes president he wouldn’t allow further liberalisation of Labour Code.

• 10 Oct 2005
  United Kingdom: TUC rejects EU constitution<#PDF_LINK>

  The annual conference of the Trades Union Congress, held in September 2005, voted in favour of a resolution that rejected the proposed EU constitutional treaty.

• 10 Oct 2005
  Germany: Employers’ associations and trade unions divided on general election outcome<#PDF_LINK>

  In Germany's general election on 18 September 2005, both the incumbent red-Greencoalition government of the SPD and Green parties and the joint opposition of the conservative CDU/CSU and the liberal FDP failed to secure a parliamentary majority. The German parliament, the Bundestag, will consist of five parliamentary factions, as the new Left party passed the required threshold of 5% of the vote. The Confederation of German Industries (BDI) expressed disappointment about the failure of the conservative and liberal opposition to win a majority, whereas leading trade union representatives expressed relief that a conservative-liberal victory had been prevented by voters.

• 10 Oct 2005
  Slovakia: Trade unions do not want to abandon their right to OHS supervision<#PDF_LINK>

  Labour legislation allows the trade unions to exercise supervision over occupational safety and health at the employers. At present a discussion is taking place about the increase of efficiency of labour inspection that supervises this field as well. In this context, it has been proposed that the activities of trade unions in this field should be abolished. However, the trade unions do not want to abandon their right for social supervision over occupational safety and health. According to the information available their objections have been accepted and the prepared amendments of the laws on labour supervision would not threaten these rights of trade unions.

• 10 Oct 2005
  France: Challenges to Hewlett Packard job cuts package<#PDF_LINK>

  The plan by Hewlett Packard (HP) to cut 10% of its worldwide workforce has come under attack in France, where the axe is due to fall on 26% of the company’s staff. As the HP group has announced USD 1 bn profits for the third quarter of 2005, this restructuring exercise has raised a storm of protest. In addition, the conditions for granting state aid to companies have become a subject for debate.

• 10 Oct 2005
  Latvia: Police officers’ picket generates discussion<#PDF_LINK>

  On 16 August 2005 almost 1,000 Latvian police officers assembled before the Republic of Latvia Cabinet of Ministers building at the time when the government was discussing amendments to the 2005 budget. The aim of the picket was to remind the government about previous demands by police officers to raise their wages and improve their working conditions. However, the government was unable to find funds in the 2005 budget to increase police officers’ wages. The head of the government promised to continue talks with the police officers only after the Ministry of the Interior submits a concrete plan of action for putting the ministry’s finances in order.

• 10 Oct 2005
  EU Level: New global health and safety portal<#PDF_LINK>

  In September 2005, the EU Agency for Safety and Health at Work announced the launch of its new online information portal.

• 10 Oct 2005
  Finland: Military officers achieve wider bargaining rights<#PDF_LINK>

  A boycott of international operations by Finland's military Officers’ Union came to an end in September 2005 with the signing of an agreement. In the deal, trade unions in the defence forces were granted the right to negotiate more extensively on the employment conditions of staff posted abroad. Unlike for staff based in Finland, however, these conditions will still not be determined by collective bargaining.

• 10 Oct 2005
  Estonia: Gender equality commissioner finally appointed<#PDF_LINK>

  In October 2005, about one and half a year after the ratification of the Gender Equality Act, Minister of Social Affairs finally appointed the gender equality commissioner to the post. The main task of the commissioner is to monitor if the provisions of the Gender Equality Act are followed.

• 10 Oct 2005
  United Kingdom: TUC conference highlights government-union tensions<#PDF_LINK>

  The annual conference of the Trades Union Congress took place in September 2005. Union leaders were critical of a range of government policies. This article highlights some of the key issues discussed.

• 10 Oct 2005
  United Kingdom: Increase in national minimum wage takes effect<#PDF_LINK>

  On 1 October 2005, the national minimum wage rose to over GBP 5 per hour, increasing the pay of more than 1 million low-paid workers.

• 10 Oct 2005
  Slovenia: Some employers’ organisations cancel general private sector collective agreement<#PDF_LINK>

  A number of Slovenian employers’ organisations have cancelled the general collective agreement for the private sector, as of 30 September 2005. However, because the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia did not take the same step, it is unclear whether the other employers’ cancellation of the agreement is legitimate or not. If the cancellation does prove to be lawful, the agreement will cease to exist from 30 June 2006.

• 10 Oct 2005
  United Kingdom: Agreement reached to end Gate Gourmet dispute<#PDF_LINK>

  In late September 2005, workers at airline caterers Gate Gourmet voted to accept a deal to end a long-running, high-profile industrial dispute.

• 10 Oct 2005
  Netherlands: Social partners critical of government’s budget<#PDF_LINK>

  The Dutch social partners are extremely critical of the government’s budget for 2006, presented at the opening of parliament in September 2005. The government had promised that 2006 would be a year of reaping the rewards of previous efforts. Instead it appears that employers and employees will again lose ground in financial terms. Employers are alarmed at the unexpected additional cost of a new healthcare system and employees will see their spending power diminish in relative terms.

• 10 Oct 2005
  Netherlands: Strike against dismissals at potato starch group<#PDF_LINK>

  Employees at Avebe, the potato starch group in the Netherlands, came out on strike on 20 September. They are striking in protest against the intended dismissal of 400 colleagues. The board of management of the company, a company which has been affected by reorganisation for some time, asserts that there are no other options in light of dwindling revenues. In a bid to break the strike, the company appealed to the subdistrict court. The court ruled that the strike was lawful and the strike continued. In the end an agreement was reached between the parties on 6 October. The 148 employees for whom approval for dismissal had been requested, will be given 15 more months in the company’s employ during which Avebe can actively seek alternative employment.

• 10 Oct 2005
  Norway: Organisational changes among higher education unions continues<#PDF_LINK>

  In July 2005, a formal decision was made to reorganise Norway's UHO higher education trade union confederation under a new name, UNIO. The purpose of this restructuring is to accommodate two union organisations that left Akademikerne in March 2005.

• 10 Oct 2005
  Austria: Metalworking agreement provides for sharp pay increase<#PDF_LINK>

  In September 2005, earlier than in recent years, the pattern-setting metalworking industry opened Austria’s annual collective bargaining round. After only a few days of negotiations, the sectoral social partners concluded a new collective agreement providing for a considerable pay increase of 3.1%, the highest for several years. This agreement is seen by some commentators as proof of social partnership’s continuing efficiency and independence, since the parties involved ignored third parties’ attempts to influence the bargaining process.

• 10 Oct 2005
  Italy: National pay agreement signed for food and beverage sector<#PDF_LINK>

  In September 2005, trade unions and the sectoral employers’ association in the Italian food and beverage sector signed a renewal of the pay part of their national collective agreement, covering 2005-7. The agreement provides for an average monthly pay increase of EUR 96 and a one-off payment of EUR 160.

• 10 Oct 2005
  Lithuania: Social partners yet to agree on amendments to EU working time Directive<#PDF_LINK>

  Despite repeated deliberations over the proposed amendments to the EU working time Directive, a common agreement on a number of issues at question has not yet been reached by the Lithuanian social partners in September 2005.

• 10 Oct 2005
  Greece: Preveza Mills Closes Down<#PDF_LINK>

  In September 2005, Preveza Mills ceased operations. The trade unions expressed their opposition to the textile manufacturer’s closure, citing the various state subsidies it had received in the past to enable it to survive.

• 10 Oct 2005
  Greece: SEV Adopts Charter of Rights and Obligations<#PDF_LINK>

  At its Annual General Assembly, the Federation of Greek Industries (SEV) approved and adopted a Charter of Rights and Obligations for Enterprises.

• 10 Oct 2005
  EU Level: Commission to withdraw a range of proposals <#PDF_LINK>

  The President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, announced in September 2005 that the Commission will abolish 68 legislative proposals, following a screening process. In terms of social affairs, the fate of the temporary work proposal is uncertain and the optical radiation proposal’s provisions on sunlight will be removed.

• 10 Oct 2005
  EU Level: High-level group on free movement of workers holds first meeting <#PDF_LINK>

  The high-level group set up by the European Commission to examine the free movement of workers met in September 2005 for the first time to debate the issue of migrant workers within the EU since its enlargement from 10 to 25 Member States. Its discussions will form part of the process of reviewing the current restrictions on migrant workers from eight of the 10 new Member States.

• 10 Oct 2005
  Malta: MEA’s proposals to increase Malta’s competitiveness<#PDF_LINK>

  The Malta Employers’ Association presented several proposals in a bid to increase Malta’s competitiveness. Among its proposals, the association urges government to reduce its expenditure by decreasing the number of public service employees from 33% to 27% over a period of five years.

• 10 Oct 2005
  Ireland: Ireland’s opposition parties seek role for parliament in social partnership<#PDF_LINK>

  Ireland’s leading opposition parties, Fine Gael and Labour, have issued a joint call for members of the Oireachtas, specifically members of the Dail (Parliament) and Seanad (Senate), to be given an enhanced role in the current social partnership process.

• 10 Oct 2005
  United Kingdom: Government-sponsored report focuses on tackling long working hours<#PDF_LINK>

  In September 2005, the Department of Trade and Industry published a report, produced in partnership with the CBI and TUC, highlighting how leading companies are reforming long hours working practices.

• 03 Oct 2005
  Estonia: Financing of health insurance system under debate<#PDF_LINK>

  The deficit of the Estonian Health Insurance Fund is forecast to be around EEK 400 million in 2005. The government and social partners have been debating various possibilities for increasing the finances of the health insurance system during 2005, though with little agreement on issues such as increasing the responsibilities of employers and employees.

• 03 Oct 2005
  Norway: Collectively agreed wages extended for building workers<#PDF_LINK>

  From September 2005, all employers in the building sector in Norway's Oslo-fjord region are obliged to pay wages at a level at least equivalent to the minimum wage provisions in two relevant collective agreements. Foreign companies operating in Norway must thus follow Norwegian pay and conditions. Meanwhile, the legal framework regulating the extension of collective agreements has been evaluated by the government.

• 03 Oct 2005
  Bulgaria: New rules on work-related accident insurance<#PDF_LINK>

  In summer 2005, the Bulgarian parliament amended the Law on Health and Safety at Work. The main change is that companies where the rate of work-related injuries exceeds the national average must insure their workers additionally against work-related accidents. The law already provided for such an additional insurance obligation, but this had never been put into operation.