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November 2006

• 29 Nov 2006
  Cyprus: New agreement signed in hotel sector

  In September 2006, an agreement was finally reached to renew the collective agreement for the hotel sector in Cyprus. The agreement provides for a total pay increase of about 2% of wages, while the minimum starting wages of new labour market entrants are to be raised incrementally. Healthcare contributions will also increase. Due to the intransigence of both the employers and trade unions, the government-mediated agreement has stipulated that certain non-pay issues would be deferred for further consultation. Although both sides accepted the agreement, tensions remain high in the sector.

• 29 Nov 2006
  Cyprus: Water authority workers stage 24-hour strike

  In September 2006, the Local Authority Workers’ and Employees’ Trade Union, affiliated to the Pancyprian Federation of Labour, called a 24-hour strike in protest against a change in the terms and conditions of employment for some employees of the Water Board in the capital city, Nicosia. The amendment was introduced without a collective decision and thus violates the agreement in the sector.

• 29 Nov 2006
  Cyprus: Temporary public employees threaten strike action

  Temporary employees in public administration resolved to hold a strike of indefinite duration in protest against further dismissals. The strike action was scheduled to begin in early October 2006. Their decision would be retracted only if the government were to stop the ongoing dismissals of temporary employees for two months and enter into dialogue aimed at reaching a solution to the problem.

• 27 Nov 2006
  Italy: New law aims to liberalise market and curb tax evasion

  A new bill issued by the Minister of Economic Development at the beginning of July 2006 introduces important measures to increase competition in the market. First, it liberalises certain activities and sectors, such as taxi services, bakeries and legal services. At the same time, the new law proposes changes to the tax system, namely modifications to the tax on property purchases and new value-added tax rates on certain products. In some cases, organisations in the sectors affected have reacted strongly against the bill.

• 27 Nov 2006
  Slovakia: Wages continue to rise rapidly

  Low wages and slow wage growth in Slovakia are two of the main issues for trade unions to address in negotiations on behalf of their members. The new Slovakian government also considers wage increases to be an important issue and included the topic in its Programme Declaration. On the other hand, employers try to keep wage increases at a moderate level; however, according to recent data, wages continue to rise rapidly. In the second quarter of 2006, the average monthly nominal wage of employees reached SKK 18,324 (€486) – an almost 9% increase over the same period in 2005. Nevertheless, due to a high inflation rate, real wages grew more slowly. Wage developments in individual sectors did not change substantially.

• 27 Nov 2006
  Romania: Energy crisis leads to collective redundancies in sector

  The rising price of oil and gas is affecting the efficiency of energy output and increasing household heating bills, and leading to restructuring in utilities companies. To this end, and with the prior consent of trade unions, the government passed legislation approving collective redundancies in six energy companies, resulting in the loss of 975 jobs. Additional regulations are shortly to take effect for another four companies.

• 27 Nov 2006
  Poland: Political parties agree to cooperate with social partners on social pact

  The social partners represented on the Tripartite Commission for Social and Economic Affairs have publicly appealed to the leaders of Poland’s political parties, imploring them to rise above their political squabbling and to focus on overhauling the Polish state and instituting a new social pact.

• 27 Nov 2006
  Poland: First trade union formed at Lidl supermarket

  In September 2006, the first trade union organisation was established at the Lidl supermarket chain. The circumstances surrounding this event were somewhat unusual, involving a night-time staff assembly held in the car park of a Lidl outlet. The employees state that they took the step of establishing a union in order to counteract recurrent violations of their rights by the directors of Lidl Polska.

• 27 Nov 2006
  Norway: Major media consortium in the making

  Several large newspapers have decided to press ahead with merger talks to create a new media consortium in Norway. The merger process has been marked by controversy, partly because of the potentially dominant role of the largest Norwegian media group, Schibsted. The employees involved also fear the consequences of a merger, in particular the possible outcome of cost saving measures.

• 27 Nov 2006
  Netherlands: Government pushes for wage moderation despite union demands for wage increases

  The three largest Dutch trade unions will be putting higher wage demands on the agenda in the negotiations of autumn of 2006 as recent economic growth now offers scope for such a move. The Prime Minister, on the other hand, sees this growth as a confirmation of the success of his moderation policy and is urging for continued wage moderation. The Central Planning Office forecasts economic growth in the coming years and a further fall in unemployment. The Central Bureau of Statistics demonstrates that real expendable income has fallen in the past few years, while at the same time labour costs have increased. As a result, the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers wants to abolish structured wage increases; the association is putting one-off increases and performance-related remuneration on the agenda for 2007.

• 27 Nov 2006
  Netherlands: Recommendation prioritises employment growth to offset ageing population

  In its medium-term recommendation, the Social and Economic Council prioritises employment growth as the best means of coping with the consequences of an ageing population. The council considers that at least 400,000 jobs will have to be created by 2040. The higher degree of participation is necessary to cover the mounting costs of an ageing population and to withstand competition with fast-rising economies in India and China. Achieving the recommendation was no mean feat,as the social partners are completely opposed on certain issues, such as making dismissal legislation more flexible.

• 27 Nov 2006
  Netherlands: Restrictions for eastern European workers eased

  In the summer of 2006, the government opened up a total of 21 economic sectors to employees from the new EU Member States. However, the Dutch Trade Union Federation (FNV) and a majority of the Lower House of Parliament criticised that too little is being done to counteract underpayment and illegal labour. Research conducted by FNV shows that, even in an organised sector such as metalworking, foreign workers are being paid less than the minimum wage. FNV and the Lower Chamber are also concerned that increased immigration may undermine existing plans for combating unemployment among young people.

• 27 Nov 2006
  Lithuania: Developing bipartite social dialogue at sectoral level

  In March 2006, the two largest Lithuanian social partner organisations, representing employers and employees, started a joint project aimed at promoting bipartite social dialogue at sectoral level.

• 27 Nov 2006
  Italy: Unions fear bank merger could lead to job cuts

  At the end of August 2006, two major Italian banking groups, Banca Intesa and Sanpaolo Imi, revealed plans to merge the companies. Trade unions expressed concern about the possible job cuts as a result of such a move and awaited the full restructuring plan, which was to be ready by the end of October 2006.

• 27 Nov 2006
  Italy: New agreement for Fiat workers signals end of 10-year crisis

  In June 2006, the Italian sectoral trade union organisation representing metalworkers and the Fiat car manufacturer renewed, after a gap of 10 years, a supplementary agreement covering more than 80,000 workers. A performance-related pay increase and greater job security for atypical employment relationships are among the key elements of the signed agreement.

• 27 Nov 2006
  Greece: New two-year agreement signed in telecommunications company

  Employees at the Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation held 24-hour regional strikes during the period between 8 and 19 September 2006; the workers’ demands were mainly non-pay related. Some of the demands were met with the signing of a new company-level collective labour agreement on 22 September 2006.

• 27 Nov 2006
  Greece: European Court of Justice vindicates claims of fixed-term workers

  The European Court of Justice has issued a ruling vindicating employees of the Greek Milk Organisation working under fixed-term contracts. It found that a series of successive fixed-term contracts, which were intended to cover the ongoing and permanent needs of the employer, constituted an abuse of the employment relationship.

• 27 Nov 2006
  EU Level: European social partners welcome accession of Bulgaria and Romania to EU

  A monitoring report from the European Commission has outlined Bulgaria and Romania’s readiness for EU membership; the report confirms that each country has taken further steps to complete their preparations for membership, demonstrating their capacity to apply EU principles and legislation from 1 January 2007. Both the European Trade Union Confederation and the Union of Industrial and Employers’ Confederations of Europe welcome the decision of the Commission to allow Bulgaria and Romania to join the EU on 1 January 2007, while also drawing attention to the further progress required in the area of social dialogue and law enforcement.

• 27 Nov 2006
  Spain: New law on subcontracting aims to reduce industrial accident rate

  The Spanish government has approved a new law to control subcontracting, as trade unions have identified this practice as one of the main causes of the high industrial accident rate. On 29 September 2006, a strike was held by workers in the construction sector in the Catalonia region in protest against industrial accidents.

• 27 Nov 2006
  Germany: Steady rise in temporary agency work

  On 12 October 2006, the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations (BDA) argued that temporary agency work does not endanger regular jobs. BDA said that, on the contrary, such forms of work create additional employment. Since the proportion of temporary agency work has risen steadily over the last decades, the social partners have continued to discuss the effects of this trend. The possible implications of the ‘equal treatment clause’, which was added to the Labour Placement Act in recent years, form part of the debate.

• 27 Nov 2006
  Germany: Union agrees to more working hours to safeguard jobs at Volkswagen

  In September 2006, the bargaining parties at German car manufacturer Volkswagen (VW) agreed on a package of measures aimed at helping the company to save costs and to safeguard employment. Central to the agreement is an extension of the current standard weekly working time of 28.8 hours in exchange for a company commitment to agreed production volumes at the six German sites of VW.

• 27 Nov 2006
  Germany: Increase in proportion of women elected to works councils

  Between March and May 2006, works council elections took place in companies with at least five employees. Results from the Cologne Institute for Economic Research show that voter participation rates remained high. Although the majority of the elected works councillors are trade union members, their proportion declined slightly compared to the results of the 2002 elections. Overall, the share of female works councillors increased.

• 27 Nov 2006
  Czech Republic: Supermarket chain signs first collective agreement

  On 17 August 2006, the trade union operating at the supermarket chain, Plus Discount, held a staff demonstration in front of the company’s establishment in Most, North Bohemia, to protest against alleged bullying, humiliation and scare tactics by the company management. The organisers’ aim was to draw the attention of customers, the media and the general public to the situation of employees and to bring about changes in the employer’s conduct. The company publicly rejected all complaints as groundless and underlined that it is the only discount supermarket chain in the Czech Republic willing to sign a collective agreement.

• 27 Nov 2006
  Belgium: Dispute over installation of workplace cameras in metalwork company

  An ongoing conflict concerning the installation of cameras in the workplace in a Belgian metal company shows that the protection of privacy is an important aspect of working life. Workers in the company opposed the placement of the cameras in their workplace and organised a wildcat strike in protest. Negotiations are continuing but no compromise has yet been reached, which suggests that the existing national agreement to regulate such a camera installation has deficiencies.

• 27 Nov 2006
  Belgium: Postal workers strike over restructuring of services

  During 2006, a wave of strikes has taken place among workers within the Belgian postal services. The discontent among staff was triggered by the implementation of a software programme, ‘Géoroute 2’, which is a new system for organising delivery rounds that aims to rationalise the distribution of mail. Implementation of the programme has led to redundancies and an increased workload for the postal delivery workers. At local level, trade unions are trying to enter into negotiations with the management of the Belgian Post Office in order to resolve problems brought about by introducing the new system.

• 27 Nov 2006
  Belgium: Social partners evaluate investment in innovation measures

  On 18 September 2006, the Central Economic Council in Belgium hosted a meeting between the social partners on the Belgian system of innovation. At the meeting, the employers and trade union representatives reaffirmed the importance of the concept of innovation within the current economic and social network in Belgium. The partners emphasised the crucial role of innovation within the context of employment in a more competitive economy. This objective forms a pillar of the Lisbon Strategy and has a particular relevance in view of the current negotiations in Belgium towards a new inter-professional agreement for 2007–2008.

• 27 Nov 2006
  Austria: Print media employer association withdraws from bargaining table

  In May 2006, the voluntary employer Association of Regional Free Print Media withdrew from social partner negotiations on the first-ever collective agreement in the free print media subsector. In publishing, the industrial relations model differs from standard practice in Austria in that only voluntary employer organisations are involved in collective bargaining. In response to the employers’ withdrawal from the negotiations, trade unions organised protest measures in September 2006, threatening to stop the printing of free publications of the companies concerned as part of their strike action.

• 23 Nov 2006
  Austria: Conference on social dialogue in hospital and healthcare sector

  On 12 September 2006, the Austrian Association of Public and Social Enterprises (VÖWG) held a conference in Vienna on the development of social dialogue in the hospital sector at EU level. This conference served to promote the organisation’s activities and to provide an overview of recent developments in the field of European social dialogue in the hospital sector.

• 20 Nov 2006
  United Kingdom: European Court finds UK in breach of working time directive

  In a ruling issued in September 2006, the European Court of Justice found that official guidelines accompanying the UK’s legislation implementing the EU working time directive infringe Community law.

• 20 Nov 2006
  Italy: Trade union concern at proposed budgetary cuts

  In July 2006, the Italian government approved the national budget report for the five-year period 2007–2011. Accordingly, public spending will be curbed by taking measures in relation to healthcare, pensions, local authorities and employment in the public sector. The 2007 budget will total €35 billion. Trade unions voiced their concerns about the content of the report.

• 20 Nov 2006
  Romania: Employer organisations move towards greater cohesion

  In the context of government plans to amend the employers’ law, the issues of representativeness of employer organisations and upholding the interests of their members have generated considerable debate and attempts to achieve concerted action at national level.

• 20 Nov 2006
  EU Level: Report on mobility highlights economic benefits of migrant labour

  A recent report by the European Citizen Action Service reveals some interesting developments in relation to worker mobility following enlargement of the European Union in 2004. In addition to challenging some of the myths and fears associated with migration, the report outlines a number of recommendations relating to the free movement and residency of EU citizens.

• 20 Nov 2006
  Ireland: Unions back pay and pensions deal ahead of airline flotation

  Trade unions in Aer Lingus accepted a detailed package on pay, changes in work organisation and pensions just prior to the partial flotation of the airline on 27 September 2006. The new agreement will include a wage increase of 3.5% on top of agreed productivity payments.

• 20 Nov 2006
  Greece: Positive reaction to new law on equal treatment for men and women

  In late August 2006, the Greek parliament passed a law transposing into Greek legislation Directive 2002/73/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2002 on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women.

• 20 Nov 2006
  Poland: Dispute over trade union rights in soap manufacturer

  A dispute has arisen within PZ Cussons Polska S.A. between the largest representative trade union, NSZZ Solidarnosc, and the company’s chief executive officer (CEO). Trade union members accuse the CEO of breaking the law in relation to trade union rights. The conflict reached a high point with the disciplinary dismissal of a NSZZ Solidarnosc shop steward. The trade unions warn that they will fight the case until the company management reinstates the dismissed union member.

• 20 Nov 2006
  Bulgaria: Social partners sign framework agreement for better cooperation

  In October 2006, the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria and the Confederation of Employers and Industrialists in Bulgaria signed a framework agreement to achieve better cooperation between the organisations and with the government and local authorities. To fulfil this objective, the trade unions and employer organisations adopted a joint action plan for the period from October 2006 to March 2007.

• 20 Nov 2006
  Malta: Situation of economically dependent workers

  There are few data available on economically dependent workers in Malta. Neither Maltese law nor the National Statistics Office officially recognises the existence of this group. As the number of economically dependent workers is still very small, the group is merged with other self-employed persons for statistical purposes. Economically dependent workers tend not to be covered by collective agreements. Nevertheless, as this particular employment trend continues to increase across Europe, it is likely that it will also become more prevalent in Malta in the coming years.

• 20 Nov 2006
  Bulgaria: Challenges for Bulgaria vis à vis the European social model

  In October 2006, the Economic and Social Council of Bulgaria and the European Economic and Social Committee organised a conference on the European social model and the particular challenges facing Bulgaria. The topics discussed included the national labour market situation, migration of workers, corporate social responsibility and the role of the social partners.

• 20 Nov 2006
  Bulgaria: First social and economic development pact signed

  In September 2006, the government, representative employer organisations and trade unions signed the first ‘Pact on economic and social development’, effective for 2007–2009. The pact aims to ensure economic growth and social security over the next three years, and expresses the joint commitment of the various partners to the values of the European social model. By signing the pact, Bulgaria comes one step closer to the best practices of European industrial relations.

• 14 Nov 2006
  Lithuania: Collective agreement in agricultural sector

  The single currently valid collective agreement in Lithuania was signed in the agricultural sector in June 2005 by the Lithuanian Association of Agricultural Companies and the Trade Union Federation of Lithuanian Agricultural Workers. The agreement was registered in accordance with the valid legislation.

• 13 Nov 2006
  Slovakia: New government programme includes union demands

  The Slovakian parliament has approved the programme of the newly elected government. Several measures that had been put forward by the trade unions are included in the programme, particularly in relation to changes in employment conditions, industrial relations and social dialogue. These changes are aimed at protecting certain categories of employees and strengthening the position of the trade unions in the social dialogue process. However, employer representatives expressed their concern that the proposed changes in the Labour Code risk worsening the position of employees in the labour market.

• 13 Nov 2006
  Poland: Trade unions oppose planned purchase of coal mines

  Trade unions have criticised plans made by Poland’s biggest coal exporter, Weglokoks, to purchase three coal mines from Kompania Weglowa in what would be the first ever cash deal in the national mining sector. The unions in Kompania Weglowa oppose the idea, claiming that the company’s competitive edge would suffer as a result. The unions warned that they would take any measures necessary to prevent the sale.

• 13 Nov 2006
  Poland: Mixed reactions to draft Labour Inspectorate bill

  The Tripartite Commission has been discussing draft amendments to the National Labour Inspectorate legislation, presented by the president of Poland. The proposed changes aim to strengthen the inspectorate’s powers of coercion and increase its effectiveness in combating violations of employee rights. Trade union reaction to the draft proposal has been positive, while employers have expressed some concerns. Meanwhile, the president is preparing further draft legislation to introduce severe penalties for employers in cases of unlawful practices towards employees.

• 13 Nov 2006
  Lithuania: Trade union holds new government to 2005 agreement in education

  Following a change of government in Lithuania in July 2006, the Lithuanian Trade Union of Education Employees is seeking to ensure that the new government fulfils the obligations of the previous government. The union expects that the new government will proceed with improving the working conditions of employees in the education sector in line with the 2005 agreement between the trade union and the Ministry of Education and Science.

• 13 Nov 2006
  France: Government plan to minimise effects of hot temperatures in the workplace

  In the summer of 2006, a heatwave led to the premature deaths of some 110 people in France, including 12 workers at their place of work. In July, the Minister of Labour reiterated the rules that apply in workplaces in hot weather conditions; trade union leaders are calling for intersectoral bargaining on working conditions.

• 13 Nov 2006
  Bulgaria: Social partners agree minimum social security thresholds

  In August 2006, the sectoral level social partners launched the fifth annual sectoral negotiations on minimum social security thresholds. The resultant signed agreements cover 50 economic activities, employing 1.2 million workers.

• 13 Nov 2006
  Belgium: Strike at firearms manufacturer over early retirement

  At the end of August 2006, the workers’ general assembly at firearms factory FN Herstal went on strike over issues pertaining to early retirement, end of career reform and payment bonuses. After a difficult stand-off in the negotiations, which threatened to put a substantial new work contract at risk, agreement was finally reached on 14 September 2006.

• 09 Nov 2006
  Poland: Employers criticise proposal to increase overtime bonuses

  The government’s recently proposed amendments to the Labour Code contain regulations granting employees substantially higher overtime payment bonuses than at present. The proposal was welcomed by the trade unions but was strongly criticised by employer organisations.

• 09 Nov 2006
  Norway: Regulatory authorities to stamp out illegal work practices regarding migrant workers

  The number of workers from the new EU Member States entering the Norwegian labour market poses a substantial regulatory challenge for the labour market institutions and the national authorities. Increasing reports of substandard wages and working conditions suggest that the present regulatory regime is in many areas inadequate. Therefore, measures have been taken recently to strengthen the powers of the regulatory authorities.

• 09 Nov 2006
  Norway: Social partners slam proposed new sick pay scheme

  The Norwegian government has proposed to increase the financial burden on employers in relation to the costs of long-term sickness absence. However, strong criticism from the social partner organisations has forced the government to set up a committee of social partner representatives; the committee will examine alternative mechanisms by which to achieve the objectives of the government proposal.

• 09 Nov 2006
  Greece: Flexible forms of employment and competitiveness

  The Employment Observatory for Research-Informatics, a research centre affiliated to the Labour Force Employment Organisation, has published a study on employment flexibility in Europe, focusing on the case of Greece. The study finds little awareness of employment flexibility in Greece, partly due to the predominance of micro enterprises and self-employed people in the labour market. However, the analysis has identified that adopting a certain level of flexibility can improve a company’s competitiveness. One reason for the low level of part-time employment is the fact that the conditions of part-time work in Greece – pay, security, content and working conditions – are unsatisfactory compared with that of other countries.

• 09 Nov 2006
  Spain: Pilots and ground staff involved in strike action

  On 10 July 2006, Iberia pilots went on strike in a bid to guarantee their jobs and working conditions, after the company announced plans to establish a new low-cost airline. On 28 July, the ground staff occupied the runway of Barcelona Airport for six hours, demanding that their jobs be maintained.

• 09 Nov 2006
  Spain: Breakdown in negotiations for iron and steel agreement in Basque region

  As had occurred in the 2004 and 2005 bargaining rounds, negotiations between the employers and trade unions regarding the regional agreement of the iron and steel sector in the Biscay province of the Basque region broke down, almost from the outset of the talks. Both sides in the negotiations accused the other of blocking the bargaining process.

• 09 Nov 2006
  Estonia: Negotiations over new wage agreement in healthcare

  Wages in the Estonian healthcare sector have been under discussion, as a new wage agreement was due to be signed in September 2006. Medical workers had put forward their demands in relation to both a rise in salaries and increasing the national budget for the healthcare sector, aimed at improving the overall quality of health services.

• 06 Nov 2006
  Romania: European Works Council legislation to be amended

  In May 2006, the monitoring report presented by the European Commission on Romania’s preparations for EU accession stipulated the need to amend certain aspects of the legal provisions on the operation of European Works Councils in Romania. The draft ordinance amending the existing law, proposed by the Romanian government, is expected to resolve any deficiencies mainly by redefining the terms ‘enterprise’ and ‘employee representatives’, extending the scope of legal provisions and making them compatible with the provisions of the new Labour Code, which is based on EU legislation.

• 06 Nov 2006
  Romania: New regulations on information and consultation of employees

  The government has issued a draft law to transpose the provisions of the EU directive on the establishment of a general framework for informing and consulting employees in the European Community. Consultation with the social partners on this issue was initiated last year and their opinions have been summarised in an evaluation report which was commissioned by the Romanian Economic and Social Council and published in December 2005.

• 06 Nov 2006
  Romania: Protocol on wage bill for civil servants agreed

  On 12 July 2006, after a long and difficult process of negotiation, combined with public sector protests and strikes, the government and the Confederation of Civil Servants’ Trade Unions ‘Sed Lex’ (Alianta Sed Lex) signed a protocol on a wage bill for civil servants, to be presented by a joint commission no later than 15 September 2006. Alianta Sed Lex agreed to suspend its protest action until the commission completed its activity.

• 06 Nov 2006
  Romania: Economic and Social Council to include civil society members

  With a view to broadening participation in social dialogue at national and European level, the government has approved a reorganisation of the Romanian Economic and Social Council (CES). The new structure of the CES involves the inclusion of civil society representatives as council members.

• 06 Nov 2006
  Latvia: Parliament rejects proposal to ban sexual orientation discrimination

  The Latvian Labour Law prohibits any form of discrimination against employees. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Welfare of the Republic of Latvia proposed an amendment to the Labour Law which would prohibit discriminating against employees on the grounds of sexual orientation; the amendment aimed to meet the requirements of the EU Directive on equal treatment in employment and occupation. Although the Commission of Social and Labour Matters of the parliament supported the proposed amendment, the Latvian parliament has rejected the proposal.

• 06 Nov 2006
  Lithuania: New government pledges to strengthen social dialogue

  In August 2006, the first meeting of the new Prime Minister of Lithuania and the central trade union organisations took place. Income policy and opportunities for strengthening social dialogue and its impact on other government policies were discussed at the meeting.

• 06 Nov 2006
  Finland: Support for proposed legislation to monitor employee emails

  Proposed legislation enabling employers to monitor employees’ email use, if it is suspected that the person is leaking confidential information to outsiders, is currently under consideration. All trade union confederations, with the exception of the Confederation of Unions for Academic Professionals in Finland, are in favour of the proposal.

• 06 Nov 2006
  Estonia: Protest over wage discrimination in public transport sector

  In August 2006, tram and trolleybus drivers held a picket in Estonia’s capital city Tallinn, as a result of wage discrimination in the public transport sector. The drivers demanded a wage increase of 20% in order to reach the same wage level as bus drivers in Tallinn. The wage negotiations have not yet been concluded.

• 06 Nov 2006
  Germany: Thirtieth anniversary of Codetermination Act celebrated

  At the end of August 2006, the thirtieth anniversary of the Codetermination Act was celebrated in Berlin. At the event, the German Chancellor and trade union representatives recognised the significance of board-level codetermination within companies. The celebrations were accompanied by an intense debate on the need for the act to be updated.

• 06 Nov 2006
  Austria: Number of disabled people in employment remains low

  Under Austrian labour law, each employer with at least 25 employees is obliged to employ one disabled person for every 25 people employed. However, available data indicate that the country’s employers, including those in the public sector, are significantly lagging behind in meeting this obligation. Meanwhile, the social partners have failed to reach agreement on whether or not to introduce special incentives for employers who follow the rules or fines for employers who fail to comply with such obligations, in order to increase the employment levels of disabled people.