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June 2007

• 26 Jun 2007
  Hungary: Annual wage agreement in public sector finally reached

  On 19 February 2007, major public sector trade unions and the government reached a wage agreement for 2007. Bargaining rounds for the agreement proved to be extremely difficult due to the government’s austere reform measures, which envisage cuts in the budget, services and staff. Tensions were heightened following rallies and calls for strike action by radical trade unions. The impasse in wage bargaining also led to the establishment of a strike committee.

• 26 Jun 2007
  Poland: Teachers’ union threatens strike action over pre-retirement eligibility

  The Polish Teachers’ Union announced in May 2007 that it would hold a warning strike if teachers did not receive guarantees of special pre-retirement benefits, known as bridge benefits. The union also demanded pay increases and greater public spending on education at local level, in addition to calling for a new minister for education.

• 26 Jun 2007
  Poland: Government unveils draft family programme for 2007–2014

  In March 2007, the Polish government published a draft family policy programme for 2007–2014. The programme includes measures to support parenthood, increase the birth rate and reverse the current unfavourable demographic trend. It also seeks to improve the quality of life and overall situation of Polish families. The draft programme was subjected to social consultation, after which the government submitted it to parliament for further debate at the end of April 2007.

• 26 Jun 2007
  Portugal: New law on social security rules for retirement and disability

  The President of the Republic has published, following approval by the Council of Ministers, Decree Law No. 187/2007 establishing the legal rules of the general social security regime concerning retirement and disability. The decree constitutes a fundamental tool for the implementation of Law No. 4/2007, which sets out the general bases and principles of the social security system.

• 26 Jun 2007
  Bulgaria: Employers denounce unfair competition due to grey economy

  In the wake of Bulgaria’s accession to the EU in January 2007, the leading employer organisation – the Bulgarian Industrial Association – identifies exposure to the grey economy as one of the main problems facing the country. The association argues that insufficient measures are taken to fight unfair competition and to strengthen the social insurance system. The Minister of Labour and Social Policy and the trade union confederations support the employers in their demand to stamp out the grey economy.

• 26 Jun 2007
  Bulgaria: New criteria for social partner representativeness

  After discussions in the National Council for Tripartite Cooperation resulted in an agreement between the social partners in February 2007, the government proposed to amend the criteria for representativeness of trade unions and employer organisations. The parliament adopted the amendments on 4 May 2007, after which they were published in the State Gazette, issue 40/2007.

• 26 Jun 2007
  EU Level: European Court upholds trade union right to veto members

  A recent ruling of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Aslef v UK, Case C-1002/05, represents an important development in the determination of trade union autonomy. The court ruling holds that in the same way as individuals have the right to join or not to join trade unions, so too do unions have the right to accept or reject membership applications. The relevance of Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights in relation to the court’s decision is also examined.

• 26 Jun 2007
  EU Level: Economic and Social Committee concerned at slow progress on employment targets

  In late April 2007, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) published its opinion on the proposal for a Council decision on guidelines for the employment policies of Member States. At the same time, the EESC also issued recommendations on the maintenance of the employment guidelines in 2007 and beyond. The EESC is concerned with the slow progress on key employment issues and emphasises the need for maximum participation of stakeholders in the process.

• 26 Jun 2007
  Finland: Nokia Siemens Networks to cut over 1,500 jobs

  Nokia Siemens Networks has announced that it will cut between 1,500 and 1,700 jobs at its Finnish facilities over the next three years. Hundreds of employees at the company’s headquarters in Helsinki walked out in protest after the job reduction plans were unveiled and trade unions accused the company of breaching the Act on cooperation within undertakings.

• 26 Jun 2007
  Ireland: New health forum to tackle critical industrial relations issues

  The government established a new, high-level health forum in March 2007. The forum aims to help resolve a series of major industrial relations disputes, which are blocking the reform of Ireland’s ostensibly ailing public healthcare system. The Irish Prime Minister expressed his support for the initiative. The forum brings together a diverse range of healthcare workers.

• 26 Jun 2007
  Netherlands: New Working Hours Act places fewer restrictions on working hours

  On 1 April 2007, the new, simplified Working Hours Act came into force, providing for less restrictive practices in relation to the length of the working day and scope of the working week. In addition, the concept of overtime has been abolished and the social partners may, within certain statutory limits, reach non-standard agreements. The act has generated mixed reactions from the social partners.

• 26 Jun 2007
  Netherlands: Majority support for open borders from 1 May 2007

  The Dutch House of Representatives voted in favour of completely opening the labour market to workers from new Member States as of 1 May 2007. However, the Green Left Party and the Labour Party demanded further guarantees in terms of equal pay for equal work, and proper housing and working conditions for these workers. To win the parties’ support, the Minister of Social Affairs and Employment agreed to explore supplementary protection measures.

• 26 Jun 2007
  Norway: New measures aim to combat social dumping

  In May 2007, the Norwegian government announced the introduction of new measures that aim to combat social dumping. In sectors where collective agreements are made generally binding, the employer will be obliged to ensure that the wages and working conditions of employees in subcontracting companies are in accordance with the particular collective agreement. Although the trade unions have expressed their support for the measures, the employers are opposed to their introduction.

• 26 Jun 2007
  Norway: New collective wage agreement concluded in public sector

  In May 2007, the social partners in the public sector concluded agreements for this year’s wage settlement. The negotiations will result in an average wage growth of between 4.8% and 4.9% for Norwegian public sector employees in 2007. This year, no funds have been set aside for decentralised bargaining at municipal level, whereas such bargaining will be possible at state level.

• 26 Jun 2007
  Ireland: Trade union president hits out against erosion in employment standards

  In a major policy speech at the end of March 2007, the general president of Ireland’s largest trade union has warned of ‘consequences for those who drive a tyrannical agenda in the workplace’, but has promised to ‘cultivate a more positive strategy towards employers who recognise unions and are prepared to maintain reasonable standards of employment’. He emphasised that the unions had always tried to deal with the denial of union representation and collective bargaining diplomatically through social partnership.

• 18 Jun 2007
  Netherlands: New collective agreements for civil servants and towage workers signed following strike action

  In April 2007, a new collective agreement to cover civil servants was signed in the wake of industrial action. Similarly, the ongoing conflict at the maritime company Smit Internationale has been resolved bu the signing of a new collective agreement for towage workers. The collective agreement for civil servants provides for a wage increase of more than 10% over a three-year period, while the agreement at Smit Internationale provides for wage increases in line with the rate of inflation.

• 18 Jun 2007
  Bulgaria: Social partners discuss Commission proposals on modernising labour law

  In 2006, the European Commission issued the Green Paper on modernising labour law to meet the challenges of the 21st century (80Kb PDF). On 4 May 2007, the EC’s proposals were discussed by representatives of Bulgaria’s Ministry of Labour and Social Policy (MLSP), the social partners and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

• 18 Jun 2007
  Bulgaria: National Action Plan to promote more and better employment

• 18 Jun 2007
  Finland: Unions gear up for decentralised approach to pay bargaining

  Following the announcement by the Federation of Finnish Technology Industries that it would follow a decentralised approach in this year’s bargaining round on incomes, the central social partner organisations are getting ready for the upcoming talks at sector and union level. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen has stated that the government would base its tax decisions on the upcoming pay agreements.

• 18 Jun 2007
  Finland: Controversy over proposed pay increase for public healthcare employees

  The issue of pay increases in the public sector has emerged as one of the most controversial issues in relation to the impending wage talks. In the last election campaign, politicians largely agreed on the need to raise the pay levels of public healthcare employees. However, economists have warned that the budgetary framework will not allow for significant pay rises for any large group of public-sector employees.

• 18 Jun 2007
  Ireland: Shop steward favourite for top job in new merged union

  The beginning of May 2007 marked the establishment of a new trade union, following the merger of Amicus and the Transport and General Workers Union. Much still needs to be decided in the coming months with regard to this merger, including the question of who will lead it. A chief shop steward at Waterford Crystal has emerged as a possible ‘leader-in-waiting’ for the newly-established union.

• 18 Jun 2007
  Lithuania: Trade union confederations sign declaration of cooperation

  In May 2007, three of the leading Lithuanian trade union confederations signed a declaration of cooperation, which lays down the key goals for collaboration between the confederations. Both standardised interim activities and cooperation in specific fields of action are expected to strengthen the individual trade union organisations and their role in the social and economic life of the country.

• 18 Jun 2007
  Latvia: Teachers threaten strike action over announced salary freeze

  Inflation and other unforeseen factors have forced teachers to review the long-term agreement on salary increases concluded with the government in 2005. In reaction to the government’s plan to freeze salaries, the leader of the main teachers’ union declared that teachers would consider going on strike during the school examination period in May 2007.

• 18 Jun 2007
  Latvia: Widespread protest at government plan to reduce inflation

  In March 2007, the government adopted an action plan to reduce the country’s inflation. This resulted in contradictory actions with regard to salaries. In several fields of the public sector, employee protests have taken place opposing the government’s plan to freeze salaries, while in other areas of the public sector, salaries have been increased before the plan is implemented.

• 18 Jun 2007
  Portugal: Government approves draft bills on public sector employment relations

  After failing to reach a consensus with the trade unions in the talks on public sector employment relations, the Council of Ministers approved two draft bills on 19 April 2007. These included the proposals for the Law on the employment relationships, careers and wages of public sector employees and the Law concerning the integrated management system and performance assessment in the public administration. Following further debate, they will be presented to the parliament for approval.

• 18 Jun 2007
  Portugal: General Workers’ Union to hold extraordinary congress over union statutes

  The General Workers’ Union (UGT) is to hold an extraordinary congress on 16 June 2007. At stake is the revision of the trade union confederation’s statutes. The decision to hold such a congress is in direct response to a claim taken against the confederation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office following a complaint by the Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity, which maintains that some articles of UGT’s current statutes do not respect legal dispositions set up by the Labour Code.

• 18 Jun 2007
  Belgium: Controversy over proposed restrictions on right to strike in public service

  In recent weeks, public transport users have been adversely affected by strike action in a number of services. A strike at Brussels Airport affected over 26,000 passengers, while people travelling to work were stranded at railway stations due to a strike by ticket inspectors, and another bus drivers’ protest disrupted bus services. As a result, some members of parliament proposed establishing a minimal service in public service companies. This constitutes an important and controversial subject for debate, particularly as some groups consider that it will pose a threat to the right to strike.

• 18 Jun 2007
  Bulgaria: Social partners agree on new measures for wage bargaining

  The social partners have agreed on a new regulation concerning the negotiation of wages, in terms of their structure and organisation. The new measures will come into effect from 1 July 2007 and aim to enlarge the scope of collective bargaining on wages at sector, branch and enterprise level.

• 18 Jun 2007
  Denmark: Increase in working time and employment levels in 2006

  A recent survey by the Economic Council of the Labour Movement reveals that both working time and employment have increased in Denmark. In 2006, all employed people worked, on average, 20 minutes longer each week, compared with 2005. From 2005 to 2006, the total actual working time rose by 2.6% due to employment growth of 1.9% and an average increase of 0.7% in the number of working hours per employed person. The council concludes that labour market flexibility is increasing.

• 18 Jun 2007
  Estonia: 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 Estonia and looks specifically at the relationship between internet/email use at work and respect for workers’ privacy. It examines the national legal framework in this area and presents the views and activities of the social partners.

• 18 Jun 2007
  Spain: Ground-breaking new law on subcontracting in construction sector

  As a result of an agreement between the government and the social partners, a new law on subcontracting in the construction sector has been approved. The text is part of the national strategy for addressing occupational accidents, which remain a major problem in the labour market. The new law aims to create measures to promote risk prevention in small companies.

• 14 Jun 2007
  France: Industrial relations developments 2006 — France

  In 2006, many flaws appeared in French social regulation. The revolt in the suburbs of several cities in October 2005 was followed in February-March 2006 by young people protesting against the risk of greater job insecurity. There are more visible divisions between different groups in society. The presidential and general elections in Spring 2007 took place during a period of considerable social risk.

• 14 Jun 2007
  EU Countries: Industrial relations developments in Europe 2006

  This annual review highlights the most significant industrial relations developments in 2006 – both at national and EU level. It examines the key issues covered by collective bargaining – pay, working time, job security, training, and equal opportunities – and looks at developments in the area of social partner activity, industrial action, cross-border activity and reconciliation of work, family and private life. The final, thematic chapter explores the topic of gender and career development, looking in particular at workplace segregation, the underrespresentation of women in managerial posts, the prevalence of part-time work and the attitudes of the social partners towards gender equality.

• 13 Jun 2007
  Austria: Industrial relations developments 2006 - Austria

  This is the Austrian contribution to the annual review of industrial relations developments 2006.

• 13 Jun 2007
  Belgium: Industrial relations developments 2006— Belgium

  This record reviews the main industrial relations developments in Belgium during 2006.

• 13 Jun 2007
  Bulgaria: Industrial relations developments 2006 — Bulgaria

  2006 has been for Bulgaria, a year of presidential elections leading to the re-election of the President. Macroeconomic stability continued, while changes, mergers and cooperation took place amongst the employers organisations. In view of the full-fledged accession to the European Union, on 1st January 2007, a wide process of adaptation of the Bulgarian national legislation allowed transposition of EU Directives on social issues.

• 13 Jun 2007
  Cyprus: Industrial relations developments 2006 — Cyprus

  This annual review, compiled in December 2006, looks at industrial relations developments in Cyprus during the course of 2006.

• 13 Jun 2007
  Czech Republic: Industrial relations developments 2006 — Czech Republic

  For the Czech Republic, 2006 was a year of elections to the Chamber of Deputies (2-3 June) and the Senate (20-21 October) of Parliament of the Czech Republic, as well as local elections (20-21 October).

• 13 Jun 2007
  Germany: Industrial relations developments 2006 — Germany

  This is the German contribution to the annual review of industrial relations developments 2006.

• 13 Jun 2007
  Denmark: Industrial relations developments 2006 — Denmark

  This annual review, compiled in December 2006, looks at industrial relations developments in Denmark during the course of 2006.

• 13 Jun 2007
  Estonia: Industrial relations developments 2006 — Estonia

  Social dialogue is still relatively weak in Estonia and most of the working conditions are agreed on personal basis. Only one national level wage agreement was concluded, the number of company level agreements is not available. However, there is more pressure from employees’ organisations for wage raise than before. There were several protest actions and pickets, but no strikes. The most significant legislative development that will regulate the future social dialogue was passing the new Employees’ Representatives Act at the end of 2006. Also, legislation on childcare, social protection of unemployed and occupational health and safety of self employed persons was amended.

• 13 Jun 2007
  Finland: Industrial relations developments 2006 — Finland

  In 2006, the historically record-long national incomes policy agreement (15.2.2005 – 30.9.2007) offered a pay increase which means 2.1% overall cost impact. An emergent trend during the ongoing incomes policy agreement has been the strengthening of so-called continuous negotiation system. This means that social partners have different kinds of joint projects and working groups during the agreement period. Several notable proposals of the tripartite working group materialised in 2006. A new kind of phenomenon and a new move of the tripartite continuous cooperation has been the call of the Ministry of Finance for the leaders of labour market organisations to deliver a joint proposal for new employment measures before the government’s budged proceedings. In general, the year was peaceful in the field of industrial relations; only a fraction of industrial actions took place in 2006 comparing to the previous year. According to the employers’ organisation (EK), great majority of the industrial actions in 2006 were illegal, because the strikes took place in spite of the valid collective agreements.During the year, some trade union mergers were in the making.

• 13 Jun 2007
  Malta: Industrial relations developments 2006 — Malta

  This record reviews the main industrial relations developments in Malta during 2006.

• 13 Jun 2007
  Netherlands: Industrial relations developments 2006 - the Netherlands

  2006 was a politically turbulent year, but industrial relations were not at issue. In previous years economic growth slowed and fundamental changes in social security cast a shadow over the relationship between the social partners. The union federations pursued their policy of pay moderation, even though the economy has now given its first signs of recovery. Agreement between the social partners was reached on essential issues, such as the requirements of a knowledge-based economy and employment growth as the best means of coping with the consequences of an ageing population. Disagreement between the social partners centred on changes in dismissal law.

• 13 Jun 2007
  Norway: Industrial relations developments 2006 — Norway

  In 2006 the nationwide biannual collective agreements were renegotiated, resulting in expected wage increases varying from 3,3 percent to 4 percent. Labour migration from the new EU-member states was on the agenda in 2006, raising the question, among others, of how to combat substandard wage and working conditions. The government put forward its proposal for a new pensions system, and a new commision has been appointed to investigating measures that may assist in narrowing the existing wage gap between men and women.

• 13 Jun 2007
  Greece: Industrial relations developments 2006 — Greece

  Controversy over the signing of the National General Collective Labour Agreement and the agreement in the banking sector, further privatisation of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (OTE), failure to finally resolve the issue of contract workers and an attempt to open up dialogue on reform of the insurance system were the basic issues dominating the industrial relations and collective bargaining scene in Greece during 2006.

• 13 Jun 2007
  Hungary: Industrial relations developments 2006– Hungary

  This is the Hungarian contribution to the annual review of industrial relations developments 2006.

• 13 Jun 2007
  Ireland: Industrial relations developments 2006 — Ireland

  This annual review, compiled in December 2006, looks at industrial relations developments in Ireland during the course of 2006.

• 13 Jun 2007
  Italy: Industrial relations developments 2006 — Italy

  This annual review, compiled in December 2006, looks at industrial relations developments in Italy during the course of 2006.

• 13 Jun 2007
  Lithuania: Industrial relations developments 2006 — Lithuania

  In 2006 social partners were demonstrating more intensive co-operation and mutual understanding: along with rapid economic development all stakeholders were interested in retaining skilled labour force in the country primarily by means of ensuring better living and working conditions. Therefore, in 2006 wages were growing at a very accelerated pace and valid legislation was subject to refining in a direction favourable for employees.

• 13 Jun 2007
  Luxembourg: Industrial relations developments 2006 – Luxemburg

  This annual review, compiled in December 2006, looks at industrial relations developments in Luxemburg during the course of 2006.

• 13 Jun 2007
  Latvia: Industrial relations developments 2006 — Latvia

  Parliamentary elections, new government and meeting of NATO leaders were the most important political events in 2006. Collective bargaining remained at the previous level of activity. Pay issues remained the major issue of the collective bargaining. Increasing prices, inflation and emigration of economically active people caused significant increase of wages and salaries. The government was forced to increase minimum wage, the amount of non-taxable personal income and some social benefits. The situation on the labour market deteriorated due to emigration. Important changes in the institutional underpinnings of industrial relations did not occur.

• 13 Jun 2007
  Romania: Industrial relations developments 2006 — Romania

  The consequential political event for 2006 and for the future was the ratification of the Romanian EU accession Treaty by the parliaments of all the 25 member countries and the European Parliament’s sanctioning of the European Commission’s proposal for Romania’s accession as of 1 January 2007.The agenda of social partners for 2007, both trade union confederations and employer organisations, lists the same issue: merging efforts on the part of trade unions and employers organisations respectively in the course of 2006.Although trade union tensions abated in 2006, mainly due to the desire of social partners not to affect the accession process, 2007 will still have to deal with issues related to the minimum wage level, post-accession evolution of certain prices and their impact on the various social-professional categories.

• 13 Jun 2007
  Sweden: Industrial relations developments 2006 — Sweden

  This review provides an overview of main developments in industrial relations in Sweden in 2006

• 13 Jun 2007
  Slovenia: Industrial relations developments 2006 – Slovenia

  On 22nd October, about 1 million of the nation’s 1.6 million eligible voters cast their ballots in local elections. The euro was introduced in Slovenia on 1 January 2007. Slovenia is the first new EU member state to introduce the euro.In the first half of 2008, Slovenia will be the first new Member State to hold the Presidency of the European Union. In 2008 Slovenia will also hold the Presidency of the Council of Europe for the period of half of a year. The government expects Slovenia to join the Schengen no-border zone by the end of 2007.

• 13 Jun 2007
  Slovakia: Industrial relations developments 2006 — Slovakia

  Disagreements between the trade unions and the government continued in 2006. In February and March the health care workers protested against low wages and in April they vent on strike. The tensions between the coalition parties in the government have culminated and in February the MPs agreed on early General Election in Slovakia. The former opposition political party Smer- Social Democracy, which had been supported by the trade unions in the election, won the election and formed the new Government. The new Government promised to implement relevant changes in labour and industrial relations. The strengthening of the position of trade unions in the social dialogue, substantial changes in the tripartism, collective bargaining and in the Labour Code are planned in 2007.

• 13 Jun 2007
  United Kingdom: Industrial relations developments 2006 - UK

  This is the UK contribution to the annual review of industrial relations developments 2006.

• 13 Jun 2007
  Poland: Industrial relations developments 2006 — Poland

  In terms of industrial relations, 2006 did not differ significantly from previous years in Poland. Poland’s political scene, meanwhile, has been more stormy; in the context of the planned social pact, longed-for political stabilisation appears to be a major factor in consolidation of social dialogue.

• 13 Jun 2007
  Portugal: Industrial Relations developments 2006 — Portugal

  This annual review, compiled in December 2006, looks at industrial relations developments in Portugal during the course of 2006.

• 13 Jun 2007
  Spain: Industrial relations developments 2006 — Spain

  This annual review, compiled in December 2006, looks at industrial relations developments in Spain during the course of 2006.

• 11 Jun 2007
  Norway: Annual pay agreement reached in private sector

  In late March 2007, the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions and the Confederation of Vocational Unions, respectively, concluded agreements with the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise in the nationwide private sector pay negotiations. The average annual wage growth rate provided for in the settlement is estimated at 4.5%, including a general wage increase of NOK 2.50 (€0.30) an hour.

• 11 Jun 2007
  Romania: Government act to regulate monitoring of workers’ health

  A recent government decision, transposing the provisions of Directive 89/391/EEC into national legislation, provides for the monitoring of workers’ health. Depending on the risk factors that workers are exposed to in the workplace, the new law establishes employers’ obligations to staff. It also enlists services to support prevention measures to ensure regular monitoring of workers’ health and the types of clinical, paraclinical and laboratory tests required.

• 11 Jun 2007
  Greece: Increase in labour inspections and fines imposed in 2006

  In 2006, the Corps of Labour Inspectors carried out about 2,000 additional workplace inspections than it did in 2005. Moreover, it levied fines on companies amounting to €10.4 million, which is significantly more than in the previous year. As a result of the 2006 inspection outcomes, the labour inspectorates are in need of additional auxiliary staff as well as administrative support staff.

• 11 Jun 2007
  Greece: Employer organisation proposes changes to reform of labour law

  In the context of the debate on the Green Paper on labour law, the Federation of Industries of Northern Greece (SVVE) has submitted a package of proposals to the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs aimed at modernising the country’s labour legislation. The proposals envisage five measures that the SVVE considers as a necessary precondition for boosting the competitiveness and productivity of the Greek economy through the promotion of flexibility in individual and collective employment relationships.

• 11 Jun 2007
  Italy: Survey analyses status of top-level managers

  In late February 2007, the Free International University of Social Studies Guido Carli, along with several other institutions, presented in Rome the findings of a report on top-level managers. The report, entitled ‘Creating a managerial group – a plan to be carried out’, has two main objectives: to perform a census of Italian managers, indicating their numbers and characteristics, and to propose new models and values for the country’s future elite.

• 11 Jun 2007
  Italy: New joint commission to implement EU chemicals regulation

  On 28 March 2007, a joint commission was established by the Industrial Association of Lombardy (Assolombarda) and trade unions in Milan, aimed at addressing the challenges of the new European REACH regulation for the chemicals industry. The commission consists of 12 members and its remit involves liaison, control, updating and training duties.

• 11 Jun 2007
  Luxembourg: Forecasting recruitment needs in industry

• 11 Jun 2007
  France: Union wins jobs for Marseille Port workers at new gas terminal

  As a result of Gaz de France’s (GDF) determination to exclusively control the loading and unloading of gas from tankers that will dock at the future gas terminal near Marseille, the General Confederation of Labour at the Marseille Port Authority (PAM) called workers to strike. After 18 days of strike action, the trade union won its case. In early 2008, GDF will reserve five full-time jobs for PAM employees at the new terminal to work alongside its own employees.

• 11 Jun 2007
  Greece: Employment and unemployment trends in 2006

  Information on employment and unemployment trends in Greece for 2006 has emerged from data processed in the context of the Labour Force Survey conducted by the National Statistical Service of Greece. Overall, paid employment increased and unemployment decreased to its lowest level in 14 years in 2006. It appears that the increase in paid employment is mainly due to recruitment in the public sector and private sector companies employing more than 10 people.

• 11 Jun 2007
  Greece: Social partners clash on proposed changes to labour law

  The Greek social partners have expressed divergent views on the changes foreseen in the European Commission Green Paper on modernising labour law. Employer organisations have largely taken a positive view of the proposed regulations, while trade unions have expressed their strong opposition to the recommended reforms. Although the government has not yet made its position clear, various statements by officials indicate that it is taking a favourable view of the planned changes.

• 11 Jun 2007
  Greece: Union claims bankruptcy code reform will reduce worker protection

  The Greek government has drafted a bill to reform the bankruptcy code with a view to enhancing Greek companies’ competitiveness. The bill, however, includes regulations that will lower the current level of worker protection. The Greek General Confederation of Labour has asked for the elimination of the adverse regulations and the promotion of protection measures that will facilitate the timely satisfaction of all types of workers’ claims.

• 04 Jun 2007
  Bulgaria: Trade union complains at European level on restrictions on civil servants’ rights

  In early April 2007, the Coordinating Council of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria decided to lodge a second collective complaint against the Bulgarian state with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. Despite having ratified the revised European Social Charter in 2000, Bulgaria persists in non-observance of the civil servants’ rights to collective bargaining and to strike, violating thus Article 6 of Part II of the revised charter.

• 04 Jun 2007
  France: Draft agreement for entertainment industry workers still on hold

  Throughout 2006, speculation continued in relation to the proposed reform of the special unemployment insurance scheme for workers employed sporadically on fixed-term employment contracts in the entertainment sector. As a result, finalising the draft agreement on the reform has again been postponed. The draft agreement, which was completed in April 2006, has still not been signed a year later.

• 04 Jun 2007
  Belgium: Industrial action at Brussels Airport

  March and April 2007 were marked by social unrest at Brussels Airport. Industrial action hampered the start of operations of the newly-created Brussels Airlines, resulting from the merger of SN Brussels and Virgin Express in November last year. Moreover, a one-day strike among security personnel and firefighters brought all airport activities to a halt in April. The workers called for better working conditions in relation to working time and/or pay benefits.

• 04 Jun 2007
  Bulgaria: Transport and energy workers protest against restrictive wage policy

  In April 2007, the transport and energy trade unions affiliated to the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria and the Confederation of Labour ‘Podkrepa’ organised a protest in front of the Council of Ministers’ buildings in Bulgaria’s capital city of Sofia. Over 4,500 workers took part in the protest against the wage regulation and the government’s decision to tax compensatory social benefits. The trade unions are threatening to take strike action in the event of a breakdown in negotiations regarding this issue.

• 04 Jun 2007
  Czech Republic: Building Workers Trade Union holds fifth congress

  In February 2007, the fifth congress of the Building Workers Trade Union took place in Prague. More than 120 trade union delegates, representing over 24,000 union members, assessed the period since the last congress in 2003 and set new objectives for the period leading up to 2010. The congress adopted two concluding resolutions on collective bargaining and the liberalisation of employment law.

• 04 Jun 2007
  Estonia: Cheap labour no longer an effective strategy

  As a result of rapid economic growth, focusing a company’s business strategy on cheap labour is no longer considered effective in Estonia. Rising production costs have led to an increasing need for more effective labour strategies, which will enable companies to remain competitive. This is illustrated by the case of the large textiles company, Kreenholm, which has already seen masssive collective redundancies over the past two years and is again facing a significant reduction of its workforce.

• 04 Jun 2007
  France: New law obliges government to consult with social partners prior to labour reforms

  On 17 January 2007, the French parliament adopted a new law aimed at modernising social dialogue. The regulations oblige the government to consult with the social partners before proposing any reforms to the labour law. Such provisions could lead to the negotiation of a national cross-sector collective agreement, which would in turn be taken into account in a draft law proposed by the government.

• 04 Jun 2007
  Czech Republic: High level of self-employment in construction industry

  The general trend towards downsizing and flatter organisational structures is driving companies to replace dependent employees with sole traders. In this way, companies aim to cut labour costs and attain greater independence from the labour market. The construction sector is particularly well placed to implement a policy of this kind: individual contracts can be divided into smaller subcontracts and companies can then hire specific workers as required.

• 04 Jun 2007
  Czech Republic: Czech doctors strike in protest against low wages

  In February and March 2007, a large number of Czech doctors went on strike in protest against the insufficient payments of the General Health Insurance Company for the treatment of patients. The protest was widely supported in the Bohemia and Moravia regions, despite some criticism from the Association of General Practitioners which considered the action to be counter-productive. Nevertheless, this action may be an indication that further protests will follow.

• 04 Jun 2007
  Czech Republic: Security forces protest against new legislation

  In late February 2007, police officers and other members of the security forces took part in a demonstration against the Service Act on the service relationship of members of security forces. The Czech News Agency estimates that up to 2,000 people participated in the protest. Most of the protesters were police officers and firefighters.

• 04 Jun 2007
  Denmark: Social partners sign new three-year agreement in manufacturing

  At the end of February 2007, the social partners signed the new three-year collective agreement for the manufacturing industry following extensive negotiations. The agreement contains improvements concerning company-level bargaining, training and gender equality. Compared with the previous sectoral agreements, this new industry agreement contains a deviation clause for company-level agreements.