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March 2007

• 26 Mar 2007
  Portugal: Government proposal for tougher dismissals procedure in public sector

  Until now, the procedures for terminating employment in the Portuguese public and private sectors were quite different, with employees in the public sector jobs being better protected against individual dismissal. Under the proposal presented by the government to the public sector trade unions in January 2007, however, this situation is set to change. The government has put forward for discussion a proposal that allows for individual dismissals of permanent civil servants on grounds of infringement of working obligations.

• 26 Mar 2007
  Portugal: Unions resist plan to change employment status of civil servants

  In January 2007, the government started negotiations with the trade unions over the reform of labour relations in the public sector within the general framework of public sector restructuring. The government aims to implement the reform in 2008. The guidelines make clear that the government envisages redefining the core functions of the state, and making significant changes in employment relations, career patterns and wage systems. The main principle is to align the rules in the public sector to those governing private labour relations, especially with regard to individual employment contracts. The government has made clear that its proposals might lead to a large cut in civil servant numbers. The trade unions have reacted negatively, suggesting a difficult period of negotiation ahead.

• 26 Mar 2007
  Spain: Union confederation approves collective bargaining framework for 2007

  In late January 2007, the majority trade unions and employer organisations reached preliminary consensus on the Agreement on Collective Bargaining (ANC) for 2007, which sets out the framework for negotiations in 2007. In line with the overall economic objectives, the new agreement provides for wage moderation, promoting open-ended employment contracts, and equal opportunities for men and women in collective bargaining. On 6 February, the Trade Union Confederation of Workers’ Commissions finally approved and signed the ANC.

• 26 Mar 2007
  Austria: Unions push for improved working conditions in light of extended shop opening hours

  According to a draft amendment to the Shop Opening Hours Act presented by the Ministry of Economics and Labour, from summer 2007 retailers will be entitled to open their shops for 72 hours per week instead of the current 66 hours. While the response from businesses has been divided, the unions have announced their intention to oppose these plans unless there is an improvement in the legal framework conditions of employees in the retail sector.

• 26 Mar 2007
  Estonia: Employers propose sharing social security tax with employees

  The Estonian Employers’ Confederation has issued its manifesto for the period 2007-2011. The manifesto contains their proposals regarding key developments in labour market and economic policy. The proposals to divide the social security tax burden between employers and employees, and increase the statutory retirement age to 67 years have been subject of much debate.

• 26 Mar 2007
  Spain: Current trend towards company-level bargaining

  In the past few years, collective bargaining has changed significantly in terms of the level at which agreements are reached. Moreover, the working time and pay clauses of these agreements have also been adjusted to reflect the country’s changing economy. It is within this changing context that the most representative trade unions and employer organisations have reached a new agreement on collective bargaining for 2007, which sets out the framework for negotiations between the social partners for the fifth consecutive year.

• 19 Mar 2007
  France: Social partners tackle labour market reforms together

  In October 2006, the leaders of three employer organisations and five trade union confederations in France met for the first time since 2000. Their objective was to define, by the end of the first quarter of 2007, a follow-up plan for the three working groups that have been created in relation to the unemployment insurance system, employment contracts and ensuring better security over the career path.

• 19 Mar 2007
  Belgium: Employer federation cautions against regionalisation of employment policies

  In February 2007, the Belgian Federation of Employers (FEB/VBO) set out its demands in advance of the forthcoming federal elections and parliamentary period 2007–2011. FEB/VBO’s proposals stipulate the parameters within which it would like to see state reforms taking place, as well as outlining recommendations for building a more dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy.

• 19 Mar 2007
  Germany: 2006 collective bargaining round examined

  In February 2007, the Institute for Economic and Social Research presented its annual report on Germany’s 2006 collective bargaining round. The study evaluates collective agreements concluded in 2006, affecting some 9.7 million employees. A further 4.2 million employees received pay increases in 2006 which had already been agreed in previous years. The average increase in collectively agreed wages and salaries was 1.5% in 2005, which was below the 1.6% increase of the previous year. According to the Federal Statistical Office, actual gross wages and salaries rose by only 0.7% in 2006.

• 19 Mar 2007
  Estonia: Significant pay gap between Estonians and non-nationals

  A recent study reveals a substantial pay gap between the earnings of Estonians and non-nationals that is not explained by observable differences, such as education or occupation. According to the study findings, a non-national with similar characteristics to an Estonian earns on average 10%–15% less.

• 19 Mar 2007
  Estonia: Employers press for shorter ‘support’ strikes

  Discussion is ongoing in Estonia on the need to change the regulations pertaining to ‘support’ strikes, which are called in support of other striking workers. Employers are demanding not only that a longer notification period should be given, but also that the maximum duration of such strikes should be shortened. However, employees do not agree with these proposed changes and want to maintain the existing regulation on support strikes.

• 19 Mar 2007
  France: Celebrations to mark historical labour events highlight importance of social dialogue

  In 2006, ceremonies were held to mark three historical events which had forged relations between the state, trade unions and employer organisations in France: the centenary of the Charter of Amiens, the centenary of the creation of the Ministry of Labour, and the bicentenary of the prud’hommes industrial tribunal. The celebrations provided an opportunity to discuss the current and future position of social dialogue in France.

• 19 Mar 2007
  France: Unions denounce government conference on employment as an empty gesture

  In December 2006, the French Prime Minister, Dominique de Villepin, brought together trade unions and employer representatives for a national conference on employment and income. The last such meeting had been held in 1997, during Lionel Jospin’s tenure. While the employers expressed satisfaction with this event, the unions unanimously denounced the government initiative as a ‘public relations’ stunt.

• 19 Mar 2007
  Netherlands: Court ruling on dispute over shareholder powers in aviation company

  On 17 January 2007, the enterprise section of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal ruled on a dispute between two hedge funds and the company Stork, which is active in the areas of aerospace, food systems and technical services. Stork’s works council and the trade unions sided with the management in defending the company against a takeover. Neither of the two main parties to the dispute achieved a complete victory; the proceedings were regarded as a test case in relation to the increased rights of company shareholders.

• 19 Mar 2007
  Netherlands: Court rules against introducing minimum wage for 13–14-year-olds

  In November 2006, the Court of Appeal ruled that 13 and 14-year-olds do not have a right to a statutory minimum wage. Such young people should not be encouraged to work, but rather encouraged to pursue their studies. Thus, the trade unions’ demand was rejected, even though the lower courts had earlier ruled in favour of such a move. The statutory system regulating minimum wages is age-graded: for full entitlement to the minimum wage, an employee must be aged between 23 and 65 years, and be working at least a third of normal hours. However, according to some collective agreements, the entitlements may apply to workers aged 18 years. The Labour Inspectorate monitors compliance in this regard. The most recent survey conducted by the inspectorate in 2004 shows that only a limited number of employees receive wages below the minimum level.

• 19 Mar 2007
  United Kingdom: Right to request flexible working extended to adult carers

  In December 2006, the government submitted regulations to parliament extending the right to request flexible working to carers of adults. To date, this right is available only to parents of young and disabled children. The new legislation will come into force in April 2007. The move has been largely welcomed by both employer groups and trade unions.

• 13 Mar 2007
  EU Level: Commission presents Green Paper on modernising labour law

  The European Commission’s Green Paper on modernising labour law analyses current trends in new work organisation patterns and contractual regulations, and identifies key challenges for a reform initiative. Among the issues highlighted are a ‘flexicurity’ agenda, the role of social dialogue in the reform process, the increasing use of non-standard contracts and compliance with employment rights. At the presentation of the Green Paper, the Commission also launched a public consultation on the issue. So far, the social partners have given a mixed response to the Green Paper.

• 13 Mar 2007
  EU Level: Court of Justice gives ruling on framework agreement on fixed-term work

  The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that the framework agreement on fixed-term work is intended to provide a framework to prevent potential abuse arising from the use of successive fixed-term employment contracts and to reinforce the protection of workers across Europe. In its ruling, the ECJ defined the concepts of ‘successive contracts’ and of ‘objective reasons’ which could justify the renewal of fixed-term contracts.

• 12 Mar 2007
  Romania: New social protection measures for redundant workers

  As of 31 January 2007, previous regulations on the restructuring, reorganisation and privatisation of societies and companies with majority state capital are no longer valid, although the respective processes must continue until they are completed. Consequently, the government has introduced a new regulation stipulating special social protection measures for workers due to be laid off as a result of collective redundancies.

• 12 Mar 2007
  Romania: Ministry of Labour, Social Solidarity and Family takes on new responsibilities

  Following a recent government decision, a new Public Social Policies Directorate has been created in the Ministry of Labour, Social Solidarity and Family (MMSSF). This decision has also given MMSSF responsibility for equal opportunities between women and men. On 1 January 2007, the units responsible for programme implementation within the National Employment Agency became intermediary regional bodies for the Sectoral Operational Programme on human resources development, which is governed by MMSSF.

• 12 Mar 2007
  Romania: Social partners sign national collective agreement for 2007–2010

  At the end of December 2006, following two months of arduous collective bargaining, the new national collective agreement for the period 2007–2010 was registered with the Ministry of Labour, Social Solidarity and Family. Social partners took into account in their negotiations the fact that the latest amendments to both the domestic regulatory framework and the acquis communautaire were to be applicable in Romania from 1 January 2007.

• 12 Mar 2007
  Romania: Employers make proposals for new national collective agreement

  The Alliance of Employer Confederations in Romania has issued a set of proposals aimed at ensuring a more effective harmonisation between the Labour Code and the content of the forthcoming national collective agreement for 2007–2008. The proposals address, among other things, the issues of the non-competition clause, individual employment contracts, collective redundancy and working time.

• 12 Mar 2007
  Belgium: Legislation on workplace harassment amended

  On 30 November 2006, the Belgian federal parliament voted in favour of a major revision of the legislation on protection from violence, moral harassment (bullying) and sexual harassment at the workplace. The amended legislation puts greater focus on prevention measures, strengthens the role of in-house mediators, the person of trust, and clarifies the clause regarding employment protection.

• 12 Mar 2007
  Spain: Negotiations on collective bargaining agreement get under way

  In December 2006, the social partners began discussions aimed at renewing the Collective Bargaining Agreement for 2007. Supporters of the agreement believe that it maintains social stability and ensures moderation in wage growth. Conversely, its detractors believe that it is an artificial pact, which has little bearing on reality and which puts productivity growth and company profit before workers’ salaries. This year, among their aims, the trade unions hope to introduce a sectoral minimum wage. However, employers fear that high wage increases could act as a barrier to vulnerable groups seeking to enter the labour market.

• 12 Mar 2007
  Spain: Collective agreement in social work subsector

  Bargaining and collective agreements in the economic area of social work – as a specific category within the overall sector of health and social work – are an emerging trend in Spain. The professions associated with social work activities have developed without formal and institutional regulation, though this has begun to be corrected in the last two years. The First Agreement of the Social Work Sector in the Community of Madrid was signed in November 2006, aimed at standardising and improving employment relations and working conditions in this subsector.

• 12 Mar 2007
  Spain: Ongoing protest action at supermarket chain

  In recent years, the National Labour Confederation (CNT) has highlighted numerous breaches of labour law at the Mercadona supermarket chain. During a recent conflict between CNT and the company management, discrepancies in the reputed nature of employment contracts were uncovered, as well as a lack of compliance with health and safety laws, and with the legal limits on working time. Moreover, cases of harassment and discrimination have been reported. However, CNT acknowledges that the company has made improvements of late. Nevertheless, protest action continues.

• 12 Mar 2007
  Spain: Employers outline necessary reforms for economic growth and competitiveness

  The Spanish Confederation of Employers’ Organisations has analysed the economic and labour perspectives for 2007 in a recently published document. At the same time, the confederation outlines what it considers to be the main problems facing the economy and the reforms needed to enhance growth and competitiveness.

• 12 Mar 2007
  Spain: Unions propose inclusion of gender equality and wage revision in collective agreements in Valladolid

  In early February 2007, the Trade Union Confederation of Workers’ Commissions announced that it will be putting added pressure on the bargaining process in relation to the 12 collective agreements scheduled for 2006 in the Valladolid province of northwest Spain. Among its recommendations, the confederation proposes the introduction of measures guaranteeing equal opportunities for men and women in collective bargaining and of wage revision clauses compensating for the loss of purchasing power due to the rise in inflation.

• 12 Mar 2007
  Spain: Collective agreement gives average pay rise of 3.2%

  In 2006, the average pay rise established in the registered collective agreements was 3.24%, compared with 2.7% in the previous year. In terms of sector, the highest pay rise was agreed in agriculture, followed by manufacturing, services and construction.

• 12 Mar 2007
  Spain: Union calls for social dialogue in health and industrial policy

  The Secretary General of the General Workers’ Confederation (UGT) claims that major delays have arisen in two important areas of social dialogue, namely those relating to health policy and industrial policy. In this context, the Ministry of Health’s involvement in areas of policy that are politically complex and that have a low media impact is insufficient for the development of the Health Cohesion and Quality Law. According to UGT’s Secretary General, this law involves the need for complex negotiations with the autonomous communities responsible for health policy management in Spain. This is also the case for the various sectors of industry, such as construction, manufacturing, electricity and mining.

• 12 Mar 2007
  EU Level: First steps towards creation of global super union

  In a move to address the problem of social dumping at international level, two of Europe’s largest trade unions, Amicus in the UK and the German Metalworkers’ Union, along with the US trade union organisations, the United Steelworkers and the International Association of Machinists, have signed an agreement which could lay the foundations for a global super union within the next 10 years. With this initial agreement designed to encourage closer working relations between the four trade unions, the planned global super union could eventually represent around 7.6 million members.

• 12 Mar 2007
  Finland: Trade unions prepared to consider benefits of local bargaining

  The President of the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions, Lauri Ihalainen, has encouraged the trade unions to consider the benefits of concluding local agreements. In this regard, Mr Ihalainen regards the strengthening of the position of employee representatives as a basis for increasing company-level bargaining.

• 12 Mar 2007
  Finland: Tripartite group proposes stricter penalties for unjustified use of fixed-term contracts

  According to the tripartite working group of the Ministry of Labour, unjustified use of fixed-term employment contracts will constitute an illegal practice in the future. The current legislation already states that an employer should have proper grounds for using fixed-term contracts. However, the failure to report reasonable grounds for such employment relationships is not punishable for employers at present.

• 12 Mar 2007
  Greece: Employees take strike action against new government economic policy

  In mid December 2006, employees in the public and private sectors took strike action in response to the economic policy put forward by the government for 2007. The workers were also lobbying against the proposed changes to the employment relationships of employees in public utilities and services.

• 12 Mar 2007
  Greece: Study highlights role of father in work and family life

  The Research Centre for Gender Equality in collaboration with Panteion University has conducted a nationwide study on the role played by fathers in work and family life. The study looked at daily practices of Greek fathers and their views on parenting issues such as the relationships with their children, gender roles and work–life balance. The initial findings were presented at an international conference held in Athens in December 2006.

• 12 Mar 2007
  Hungary: President refers draft laws on social dialogue to Constitutional Court

  The President of the Hungarian Republic, László Sólyom, has declined to sign two new laws passed by parliament on the National Interest Reconciliation Council (OÉT) and on the sectoral social dialogue committees. Instead, the president has submitted the draft laws to the Constitutional Court for a review of their constitutionality. Among the main concerns of the president is OÉT’s legitimacy to exercise public power functions.

• 12 Mar 2007
  Luxembourg: New measures aim for better anticipation and management of restructuring

  In the context of measures introduced to promote employment retention, a system for the anticipatory management of restructuring has recently been put in place in accordance with the law of 22 December 2006. The objective of this system is to centralise information on redundancies and to introduce a new phase prior to the collective redundancy phase, involving the establishment of a job retention plan by the social partners encompassing alternative solutions to redundancies.

• 12 Mar 2007
  Norway: Government aims to get people off welfare and into work

  In November 2006, the labour-led coalition government presented a white paper on work, welfare and inclusion. The main objective is to reduce poverty by enticing more people off welfare benefits and into employment.

• 12 Mar 2007
  Norway: Employers criticise proposed legislation to restrict access to employees’ emails

  In the autumn of 2006, the Norwegian Ministry of Government Administration and Reform issued a proposal regarding employers’ access to employees’ emails for consultation among the relevant social partners. The proposed legislation would strengthen employees’ right to privacy by denying the employer access to employees’ emails, except under special circumstances. The deadline for responses was set for January 2007. The responses received show that both employers and public prosecutors have strong objections to the proposal.

• 12 Mar 2007
  Norway: Legislation protecting whistle-blowers comes into force

  In January 2007, new legislation aimed at protecting employees who report misconduct in the organisation for which they work came into effect. The legislation protecting so-called ‘whistle-blowers’ was originally proposed by a working group under the auspices of the Norwegian Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion in late 2005. The new legislation has received the support of the trade unions and been partly supported by the employer organisations.

• 12 Mar 2007
  Poland: Trade unions opposed to consolidation in energy sector

  The Programme for the Electric Energy Industry, unveiled by the Polish government, has met with strong opposition from the trade unions, which are demanding social dialogue on the effects of consolidation in the sector. The trade unions contend that the programme in its current form compromises the interests of employees in the companies earmarked for consolidation.

• 12 Mar 2007
  Poland: Teachers’ unions threaten protest action over pay increases

  The two largest trade unions representing teachers have threatened to take strike action if the Polish government once again breaks its promise concerning a pay increase in the education sector. Moreover, the trade unions have made clear their disapproval of the current Minister of Education, Roman Giertych.

• 12 Mar 2007
  Romania: Trade unions criticise national budget for 2007

  The new national budget allocates larger amounts to high cost services such as education, healthcare and social security, in addition to wage increases sometimes in excess of 20%. Nevertheless, the minimum wage level underpinning the budget structure for 2007 remains unacceptable to the trade unions.

• 12 Mar 2007
  Romania: First sectoral social agreement concluded

  The Sectoral Social Agreement for 2007–2009 in the construction sector was signed at the end of December 2006. Construction has thus become the first sector in the Romanian economy in which the representative social partners have concluded a social agreement.

• 12 Mar 2007
  Slovenia: Agreement reached on distribution of trade union assets

  After more than 15 years of negotiations, the seven representative trade union confederations, which organise more than 90% of all trade union members in Slovenia, have concluded an agreement on the distribution of trade union assets.

• 12 Mar 2007
  France: Government initiatives to benefit low-paid workers and SMEs

  Following a government seminar at the end of August 2006, the French prime minister outlined measures, including some new initiatives, which the government is planning to implement in the coming months. The measures concern a range of different areas including social dialogue, employment and improving the purchasing power of low-wage earners.

• 08 Mar 2007
  Czech Republic: Provisions available to parents in support of work–life balance

  The issue of work–life balance is becoming is attracting wider public interest in the Czech Republic, not only among human resources professionals and the social partners but also with respect to research activities. Research in the field confirms that the prevalence of traditional role division is still quite common in households in the Czech Republic, although several legislative steps have been taken in recent times to balance gender differences.

• 08 Mar 2007
  Cyprus: Special agreement for Larnaca port employees

  In November 2006, as part of the development of Larnaca port and marina in the southeast of Cyprus, a special agreement was signed determining the future employment situation of the port’s employees. Due to the Cyprus Ports Authority’s delay in signing the agreement, it was not ratified until December 2006.

• 08 Mar 2007
  Cyprus: New collective agreement in telecommunications sector

  Following almost three years of difficult bargaining negotiations, agreement was reached in December 2006 on the signing of a new collective agreement for Cyprus Telecommunications Authority employees. In relation to pay, the new agreement provides for relatively low pay increases; however, the agreement also introduces important changes in terms of non-pay issues, mainly involving the implementation of predetermined flexible working hours and the introduction of the category of ‘hourly paid staff’.

• 08 Mar 2007
  Austria: Temporary work permits issued to illegal foreign care workers

  In Austria, thousands of older people and those in need of care privately engage the services of illegal foreign workers for geriatric nursing and care purposes in the home; this is generally because they cannot afford to use licensed professional services. In the autumn of 2006, the then opposition Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) and the conservative People’s Party (ÖVP) agreed to temporarily legalise most of these illicit employment relationships, in a move which was welcomed by the social partners as a first step towards a re-organisation of the labour market in the area of private care services. However, the new SPÖ-ÖVP coalition government, formed in January 2007, has appeared divided so far in its proposals about how to draw up a sustainable reform of the private geriatric nursing system.

• 08 Mar 2007
  Belgium: Job losses and restructuring at Volkswagen plant

  In January 2007, work recommenced at the Volkswagen (VW) plant at Forest in the Brussels region, following seven weeks of strike action which had paralysed production at the plant. At issue is the transfer of production of the Golf model to Germany and the announcement of job cuts of almost three quarters of the plant’s workforce. The return to work marks the end of two months’ negotiations with regard to the restructuring of the plant. In total, about 2,000 workers will opt for voluntary redundancy, while around 950 workers will be entitled to take early retirement. However, approximately 2,200 workers will continue to work at the site. The remaining workers will probably be made redundant.

• 08 Mar 2007
  Czech Republic: Union confederation outlines its programme for 2007

  At the end of October 2006, the general meeting of the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic (SP CR) approved its programme declaration in addition to the annual budget for 2007. The programme is based on the agreed strategy of SP CR for the period 2005–2007, and takes into account the present political situation in the Czech Republic. In outlining the confederation’s key objectives for 2007, the document covers a number of areas to be addressed, such as the need for clearer legislation and taxation, as well as issues concerning the labour market, social security, research and development, infrastructure and the environment.

• 08 Mar 2007
  Czech Republic: Disputes over tendering put jobs in forestry at risk

  In December 2006, the Association of Forestry Businesses called for companies in the sector to join them on strike alert as a result of ongoing disputes concerning tenders issued by the largest forestry company in the country, Lesy CR. The Competition Protection Office obliged the company to issue its tenders in accordance with the Public Tenders Act. Following a period of dispute in the courts, Lesy CR decided to cancel all contracts won in 2005 and announced new tenders in all areas of its operations. The companies losing their 2005 contracts have contested the transparency of the new tender procedures and fear that the loss of work will result in significant job losses. New contracts are expected to be signed in February 2007.

• 08 Mar 2007
  Czech Republic: Predicted wage increase will affect only a minority of workers

  While it is predicted that the average gross monthly wage will increase in the Czech Republic, it is unlikely that this will have any real impact on a large proportion of the country’s working population. In fact, some analysts predict that there will be a fall in real incomes for some workers, if incomes do not at least grow at the same level as the rate of inflation. At the same time, although Czech purchasing power has increased, the average pay of an employee in the Czech Republic is still only a fraction of that of employees in other European countries, while wage differentiation between regions and professions also persists.

• 08 Mar 2007
  Germany: Unions and workers protest against plan to raise retirement age

  The federal government’s plans to increase the statutory retirement age to 67 years have met with a series of protests from workers. Since December 2006, approximately 250,000 employees have participated in nationwise demonstrations against the government’s proposals to raise the retirement age. While trade unions support employees’ right to protest, employer organisations highlight the risk that such protests pose to collective bargaining autonomy.

• 08 Mar 2007
  Germany: Chambers of Commerce association calls for reform of vocational training system

  On 22 January 2007, the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) called for a reform of the dual system of vocational training. In its view, a modernised version must ensure not only the quality of vocational training, but should also take into account changing labour market needs. At the same time, the Confederation of German Trade Unions underlined the importance of equal opportunities for all in accessing adequate vocational training. Meanwhile, a recently published study highlights the increased number of vocationally qualified younger workers who have changed occupations.

• 08 Mar 2007
  Denmark: Agreement on integration of immigrants includes job package plan

  In December 2006, the government, the Danish municipalities and regions, and the social partners presented an agreement on integration, aimed at increasing employment levels among immigrants and their families. The new agreement is a revision of an earlier agreement; among the latest initiatives is the introduction of a ‘job package’.

• 08 Mar 2007
  Denmark: Orderlies go on strike at National University Hospital

  On 5 January 2007, 300 hospital orderlies at the National University Hospital in Copenhagen went on strike on the grounds that they are obliged to work under a different collective agreement following implementation of the structural reform on 1 January.

• 08 Mar 2007
  Denmark: Low representation of women on company boards

  Denmark currently has one of Europe’s highest female employment rates and Danish women are among those countries with the highest educational qualifications in Europe. However, this relative success is not reflected in the number of female managers and representatives on company boards. According to recent statistics from Eurostat and the Nordic Council, this represents an area in which Denmark lags behind most European countries. The Danish gender pay gap is also relatively high, despite the country’s highly qualified female workforce.

• 08 Mar 2007
  Spain: Andalusian trade unions adopt joint approach to collective bargaining

  In the autonomous community of Andalusia in the south of Spain, the General Workers’ Confederation and the Trade Union Confederation of Workers’ Commissions have decided to jointly deal with all the processes of collective bargaining in 2007. Both organisations presented this action plan at the ‘Seminar on collective bargaining: proposals for progress’, held in the city of Seville in November 2006.

• 08 Mar 2007
  Spain: Rise in permanent employment due to labour market reform

  In July 2006, the main trade unions, the government and the employer organisations reached agreement on the reform of the labour market in order to reduce temporary employment. The social partners have analysed the effects of this reform six months after it came into force. Data from the National Institute of Employment attests to a significant rise in the number of permanent employment contracts since the reform came into force.

• 08 Mar 2007
  Greece: Government changes immigration law to grant more residence permits

  The legislative framework regulating specific aspects of Greek immigration legislation was amended in January 2007. The Greek General Confederation of Labour believes that, despite the broader criteria to grant residence permits provided for under the new legislation, a large number of immigrants will remain undocumented and will continue to work in undeclared employment.

• 08 Mar 2007
  Greece: New sector-level collective agreement in financial services

  In late December 2006, following tense negotiations, strikes and strong opposition, a new sector-level collective agreement was signed for the financial services sector. The new agreement sets out the terms of pay and employment conditions for employees of banks and related financial services enterprises throughout Greece, for the period 2006–2007.

• 08 Mar 2007
  Hungary: Renewal and extension of collective agreement in bakery sector

  In May 2006, employers terminated the previous collective agreement in the bakery sector. After several rounds of negotiations, the social partners agreed on a renewed sectoral agreement in September 2006 and jointly requested its extension. As part of the new agreement, various bonuses and allowances for employees are curtailed, while the trade unions managed to maintain the employers’ support for the extension procedure.

• 08 Mar 2007
  Luxembourg: Break-down of negotiations in financial services sector

  Some 91 days after negotiations began between employers and trade unions about the renewal of the collective agreement concerning financial services employees, the trade unions have decided to leave the negotiating table. As talks between the parties have been heated since the beginning, the trade unions have now unanimously decided to suspend negotiations at least until the Luxembourg Bankers’ Association withdraws its recommendation to the banks to freeze the seniority benefits of their employees.

• 08 Mar 2007
  Latvia: New technology and respect for privacy at the workplace

  The use of new information and communication technologies (ICT) at the workplace has spread rapidly in recent years, raising numerous issues for employers, employees and their representatives, especially in terms of the relationship between workers’ privacy and employers’ need to control and monitor the use of ICT. This article explores the extent of ICT usage at the workplace in Latvia and looks specifically at the relationship between internet/email use at work and respect for workers’ privacy. It examines the national legal framework on privacy at work, data protection and workplace internet/email use. In addition, it presents the views and activities of the social partners in this area, and indicates the extent to which this issue is dealt with in collective bargaining.

• 08 Mar 2007
  Malta: New rescue plan for Air Malta

  Meetings are being held between the national airline Air Malta and officials from the four trade unions representing the airline’s employees, to discuss whether a new rescue plan can be negotiated. When commenting about the airline, the Minister for Investment, Industry and Information Technology outlined two possible options, either to draw up a new rescue plan or to negotiate a collective agreement. However, the minister announced that he would only guarantee that there would be no lay-offs if the rescue plan option was taken.

• 08 Mar 2007
  Poland: Employer suppresses new trade union in retail outlet

  In December 2006, a number of employees from the Selgros supermarket chain attempted to establish a trade union at one of the chain’s outlets. Several days later, following the legal registration of the organisation, the chairman and a number of other members were dismissed from their posts. This is yet another incident in a series of conflicts between management and trade unions in the Polish retail sector.

• 08 Mar 2007
  Romania: National minimum wage levels set for 2007

  Although national trade union confederations had demanded a national gross minimum monthly wage of RON 480 (€142) for 2007, the government has set the new level of the basic national gross minimum wage at RON 390 (€115) a month. At the same time, the social partners have agreed on a gross minimum monthly wage of RON 440 (€130) in the national collective agreement.

• 08 Mar 2007
  Romania: First major trade union merger takes place

  At the end of December 2006, three of the five nationally representative trade union confederations agreed to form the Alliance of Trade Union Confederations in Romania. The respective confederations include the National Confederation of Free Trade Unions in Romania, the National Trade Union Bloc and the National Trade Union Confederation Meridian. The new alliance is set to function in its current form for a period of one year, following which the general assembly will analyse the results and determine the next steps of the merger.

• 08 Mar 2007
  Slovakia: New bill on tripartism aims at more effective social dialogue

  In November 2006, the Slovak government adopted a new bill on tripartism. Under the new law, the Smer-Social Democracy coalition government will implement part of its election programme and thus commits to the trade union demands in return for their support during the 2006 general election. The bill on tripartism sets out improved conditions for social dialogue on economic and social policy issues by establishing the Economic and Social Council as the national concertation body of the government and the social partners. Moreover, the bill defines the competencies and structure of the council and also provides for its funding. Furthermore, it allows for the conclusion of tripartite social pacts.