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

January 2008

• 31 Jan 2008
  Lithuania: Representativeness of the social partners: Gas sector – Lithuania

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the gas sector in Lithuania. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 31 Jan 2008
  Malta: Representativeness of the social partners: Gas sector – Malta

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the gas sector in Malta. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 31 Jan 2008
  Sweden: Representativeness of the social partners: Gas sector – Sweden

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the gas sector in Sweden. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 31 Jan 2008
  Slovakia: Representativeness of the social partners: Gas sector –Slovakia

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the gas sector in Slovakia. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 31 Jan 2008
  United Kingdom: Representativeness of the social partners: Gas sector –UK

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the gas sector in the United Kingdom. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 31 Jan 2008
  Belgium: Representativeness of the social partners: Gas sector –Belgium

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the gas sector in Belgium. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining..

• 31 Jan 2008
  Estonia: Representativeness of the social partners: Gas sector –Estonia

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the gas sector in Estonia. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 31 Jan 2008
  Spain: Representativeness of the social partners: Gas sector – Spain

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the gas sector in Spain. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 31 Jan 2008
  Finland: Representativeness of the social partners: Gas sector –Finland

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the gas sector in Finland. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 31 Jan 2008
  Ireland: Representativeness of the social partners: Gas sector –Ireland

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the gas sector in Ireland. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 31 Jan 2008
  Austria: Representativeness of the social partners: Gas sector –Austria

  The aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the gas sector in Austria. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.

• 28 Jan 2008
  Ireland: Waterford Crystal union secures pay rise despite uncertain future

  The trade union Unite has secured a 2% pay rise during the second phase of the current national pay deal under the Towards 2016 social partnership agreement. The pay rise will cover the union’s 1,000 members currently working at the troubled Waterford Crystal plant in Waterford City. The company lost its case to impose a pay freeze, based on the finding of a Labour Relations Commission assessor.

• 28 Jan 2008
  Italy: Vodafone Italia reaches agreement on transfer of employees

  An employee referendum in November 2007 approved an agreement concerning the transfer of a business branch operated by the telecommunications provider Vodafone Italia to the transaction processing services company Comdata. More than 900 employees are affected by the planned transfer. While the referendum result was positive, it nevertheless expressed the concerns of the workers in relation to outplacement practices.

• 28 Jan 2008
  Italy: General strike in public transport sector

  In late November 2007, a general strike was held throughout the entire public transport sector involving 300,000 workers. The strike had been announced by the trade union federations and involved 14 branches of the sector, most importantly railways, local public transport, air travel and maritime transport. Reasons given for the strike were the crisis situation in the sector, the lack of suitable government funding, and the demand for a general policy to reform the sector.

• 28 Jan 2008
  Lithuania: Rising inflation spurs nationwide civil protest action

  In response to rocketing prices for consumer goods and services in Lithuania, from September to November 2007 trade unions and other non-governmental organisations held a series of protest actions, such as mass meetings and pickets, to demonstrate their opposition to the government’s social and economic policy. Following these protests, the trade unions issued a list of demands to the government and parliament.

• 28 Jan 2008
  Luxembourg: Telework in Luxembourg

  Although the social partners signed a collective agreement regulating telework in 2006, a major problem remains with its application in relation to a large group of workers in Luxembourg – namely, cross-border workers. The latter represent more than 40% of workers in Luxembourg. At present, only a small proportion of workers are engaged in telework.

• 28 Jan 2008
  Latvia: Health workers union sues government

  In November 2007, the Latvian Health and Social Care Workers’ Trade Union adopted the unanimous decision to sue the government for not fulfilling basic trade union demands. The decision to take legal action has been taken because the trade union sees no further possibility to resolve the issue by means of negotiation. The situation is the result of a month’s unsuccessful negotiations on the health workers’ pay increase.

• 28 Jan 2008
  Malta: Telework in Malta

  No commonly agreed definition of telework exists in Malta. So far, it represents only a small labour market phenomenon and applies mainly to professionals and managers in large organisations. While teleworkers express no particular health and safety concerns about their work, they are not adequately protected by law. The government aims to promote telework in the public sector, whereas trade unions voice differing opinions on the potential consequences of telework.

• 28 Jan 2008
  Norway: Telework in Norway

  Telework in Norwegian working life is predominantly regarded as a voluntary flexibility measure enabling employees to work from home. Although regulated by guidelines and to some degree collective agreements, telework has not been an item high on the social partners’ agenda. This article looks at the extent of telework in Norway and explores the steps towards aligning with the EU framework agreement on telework, concluded by the European social partners in 2002.

• 28 Jan 2008
  Poland: Agreement on pay rises ends collective dispute at Opel Gliwice

  In late November 2007, a lengthy collective dispute at the Opel plant of the General Motors group in Gliwice in southern Poland came to an end after the parties involved reached an agreement on pay increases, a financial bonus for employees, and regular permanent employment of some 350 temporary staff. This latest agreement concluded a series of disputes which took place at the plant during 2007.

• 28 Jan 2008
  Poland: Teachers’ union remains on strike alert over pay

  The Polish Teachers’ Union (ZNP) has announced that it is prepared to go on strike unless the draft budget for 2008 is amended to guarantee pay increases for those in the profession. ZNP has been demanding pay increases of up to 50% for some time, in addition to measures aimed at preventing young teachers from vacating school jobs. Unless a substantial reform package is agreed, tensions are likely to continue throughout the year.

• 28 Jan 2008
  Romania: Employers and trade unions contest ownership of former trade unions’ assets

  In September 2007, the Ministry of Labour, Family and Equal Opportunities issued a bill for public debate on the transfer of assets held by former trade unions until December 1989 to the National Union for the Takeover of the Trade Unions Estate, which has yet to be set up by the national trade union confederations. The employer organisations disputed the bill, arguing that the former trade unions’ wealth should be managed by a consortium of employer and trade union organisations.

• 28 Jan 2008
  Romania: Unions threaten to call general strike over minimum wage level

  On 2 November 2007, the five Romanian national trade union confederations jointly announced that a current labour conflict might lead to a general strike. The main reason for their dispute with the employer organisations and the government is their dissatisfaction with the level of the national minimum wage for 2008. The trade unions are also critical of the inefficiency of the tripartite social dialogue at national level.

• 28 Jan 2008
  Romania: Telework in Romania

  In Romania, no agreement on telework has been reached among the social partners to date, nor is there any official act defining telework. The proportion of e-workers is estimated at 0.5%–1% of the labour force but should double every three years, to reach 8%–10% of all workers in 2010. The government has given assurances that it would analyse the effects of new types of work organisation in order to see what measures need to be taken. The social partners are keen to use the 2002 European framework agreement on telework as a guideline.

• 28 Jan 2008
  Sweden: Restrictions on unemployment benefit to hit part-time workers

  Part-time workers are set to face tougher financial conditions following the announcement that unemployment insurance is due to become more restricted for people in this group. Women in particular will be affected by this proposal, as they make up the majority of part-time workers. At the same time, the government stands to save huge amounts of revenue by limiting unemployment insurance.

• 28 Jan 2008
  United Kingdom: Towards ‘representative actions’ in resolving workplace disputes

  In current debates about improving the resolution of employment disputes and reducing employment tribunal claims, trade unions and other campaigners have advocated the introduction of ‘representative actions’ covering groups of individuals. However, following two recent review papers on the public consultation on dispute resolution in the workplace, the government seems likely to reject such proposals.

• 28 Jan 2008
  United Kingdom: Debate on temporary agency work intensifies

  With EU-level discussion on the draft Directive on temporary agency workers revived in December 2007, debate on the issue has intensified in the UK. The trade unions called on the government to reassess its opposition to the Directive before the December meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council. However, the government and employers continue to oppose trade union demands for equal treatment for agency workers.

• 28 Jan 2008
  Austria: Companies shown to be reluctant to comply with Corporate Governance Code

  During the summer of 2007, the Austrian Chamber of Labour revealed that only six out of 10 Austrian companies listed on the Viennese stock exchange comply with the Corporate Governance Code. Therefore, it is demanding the introduction of a legally binding code instead of the current voluntary regulation. However, this proposal has been rejected by business representatives and the government commissioner for the capital market.

• 28 Jan 2008
  Bulgaria: Social partners and government launch initiatives to combat undeclared work

  Undeclared work remains a serious concern for employer organisations and trade unions in Bulgaria, particularly in terms of the risks for businesses and workers. Thus, in mid 2007, they increased efforts to combat undeclared work. Two employer organisations, with media help, launched the partnership initiative ‘Come into light’, supported by the trade unions. Moreover, the government proposed new tax and social security measures aimed at reducing the grey economy.

• 28 Jan 2008
  Bulgaria: Telework in Bulgaria

  The Bulgarian government and social partners do not consider telework as a priority issue. In 2003, teleworkers represented 5.5% of the total workforce, compared with a 13% average in the EU15. Indeed, internet connectivity at the workplace is still relatively low in Bulgaria. This article looks at the extent of telework in this country and explores the progress in implementing the EU framework agreement on telework, concluded by the European social partners in 2002.

• 28 Jan 2008
  Cyprus: Unions demand pay increases above productivity levels

  Between October and December 2007, when putting forward demands regarding the renewal of collective labour agreements at sectoral and company levels, the two biggest trade union organisations decided to seek wage increases that would outstrip productivity. However, such a demand runs counter to the official position of both employers and the government.

• 28 Jan 2008
  Cyprus: Bargaining coverage a factor in protecting wages

  According to the results of a survey on factors that determine wages and wage inequalities, carried out by the Cyprus Labour Institute in December 2007, coverage by collective agreements is emerging as a determinant of wage protection. Their influence mainly affects wages concentrated in the lower part of the wage spectrum. In the statutory framework for setting wages, this finding is directly associated with the discussion on the absence of an extension mechanism.

• 28 Jan 2008
  Estonia: Telework in Estonia

  Since the beginning of 2006, no statutory changes were made to telework regulations in Estonia. In 2007, however, a series of articles was published in the framework of the European Union’s EQUAL programme which investigates different forms of flexible work and their impact on work–life balance. The articles also analysed the implementation of telework in Estonia.

• 28 Jan 2008
  Finland: Pay rise for public sector workers under new collective agreements

  In September 2007, new collective agreements on terms of employment have been concluded in the public sector at local and central government level. The agreements took effect from 1 October 2007 and will expire on 31 January 2010. Under the terms of the agreements, public sector workers will receive pay increases of about 11% for most workers over the 28-month period of the agreements.

• 28 Jan 2008
  Finland: Nurses get pay rise in dispute settlement deal

  In November 2007, following a period of lengthy negotiation and threats of industrial action and mass resignations by the Union of Health and Social Care Professionals (Tehy), the trade union finally concluded a new collective agreement on nurses’ pay with the Commission for Local Authority Employers. The new agreement will only apply to nurses represented by Tehy.

• 28 Jan 2008
  Ireland: Bank of Ireland and unions sign agreement on pension scheme for new employees

  A dispute over the terms of a pension scheme for new employees has been resolved between the Bank of Ireland and the two trade union organisations involved – the Irish Bank Officials’ Association and Unite. It is expected that the case will establish a benchmark in the trend towards new ‘hybrid’ pension plans. The trade unions have welcomed the agreement, while Bank of Ireland says it will ease the burden of a fully-fledged defined benefit scheme.

• 21 Jan 2008
  EU Level: Journalists highlight poor employment conditions and decline in standards

  An array of employment changes facing journalists is threatening to plunge the media into crisis, according to the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ). These changes have led to both a decline in journalists’ working conditions and their ability to offer a quality product. In an attempt to tackle the fall in journalistic standards, EFJ has launched the ‘Stand up for journalism’ campaign to highlight the problems being faced by journalists.

• 21 Jan 2008
  Finland: Nurses’ dispute in settlement talks

  Over 12,000 nurses belonging to the Union of Health and Social Care Professionals planned to take part in a mass resignation on 19 November 2007 if no pay and working conditions agreement was reached. As a result, national conciliator Juhani Salonius and a special mediation board have attempted to reach a settlement. The government has meanwhile forwarded a bill to parliament defining a law that would make it possible to order healthcare professionals to take on essential jobs for patient safety, even if the worker in question has resigned or retired.

• 21 Jan 2008
  Ireland: Job cuts likely at Waterford Crystal following restructuring

  The internationally renowned glass manufacturer Waterford Crystal is preparing to reposition its business, due to the need for further cost reductions at its manufacturing plant in Waterford city in southeast Ireland. Although the main trade union represented at Waterford Crystal is aware of the difficulties facing the company, it believes that the company will commit to retaining its manufacturing operations in Waterford, despite the possible job cuts.

• 21 Jan 2008
  Bulgaria: Social partners call for improvements to migration policy

  The impact of recent migration policies on the labour market and proposals for their reform have been widely debated over the past few months. The social partners have largely supported government attempts to develop a more comprehensive migration policy and have established a tripartite working group to prepare guidelines for a new Bulgarian migration policy. Despite their support, the trade unions and employers highlight areas for improvement in relation to the country’s migration policy.

• 14 Jan 2008
  Belgium: Social agreement guarantees jobs for Techspace Aero workers

  After two weeks of strike action, workers at the military motor maintenance unit of Techspace Aero (TA) in southeast Belgium finally obtained an agreement on job guarantees for the employees that could be transferred to Pratt & Whitney – one of TA’s main shareholders-according to the Memorandum of Understanding signed by both companies and considering a potential acquisition by Pratt & Whitney of 100 % ownership of TA. In this case, trade unions and the employer finally agreed that the workers who would be made redundant for economic reasons between April 2008 and December 2014 would be rehabilitated within TA, taking into account their total number of years’ service.

• 14 Jan 2008
  Sweden: Improving the labour market participation of migrant workers

  The employment of migrant workers has increased by about 4% and now stands at 60%. However, this figure remains much lower than the employment level of native workers which is 82%. The new ‘step-in jobs’ reform programme, launched in the summer of 2007 to improve the situation of migrant workers, has proved unsuccessful so far, with only 163 people finding work under the scheme. The social partners agree that more immigrants need to find employment, but disagree on how to achieve this.

• 14 Jan 2008
  Romania: Threat of job cuts in public administration averted

  With preparations for a new state budget plan for 2008 underway, the government announced its intention to reduce the number of jobs in central and local public administration. However, trade unions complain of a staff deficit in certain areas and have threatened protest action. In the end, the threatened protest action did not go ahead, as the number of posts in public administration was increased in the draft budget plan.

• 14 Jan 2008
  Luxembourg: Cleaning workers launch campaign to highlight poor working conditions

  With the support of the Private Cleaning Services Trade Union, cleaners have launched a campaign to raise awareness about their working conditions. Since 21 October 2007, negotiations for the renewal of the collective agreement which applies to all workers in the industrial cleaning sector have been on hold. The trade union is seeking better pay for workers in the sector and the allocation of the minimum salary for skilled workers after 10 years of service.

• 14 Jan 2008
  Lithuania: Telework in Lithuania

  The social partners in Lithuania have not signed any particular agreement on telework. Despite the probability that teleworkers are present in the country, they are not identified in official data; equally, the economic sectors most affected by the practice are unknown. This article looks at the extent of telework in Lithuania and explores the progress in implementing the EU framework agreement on telework, concluded by the European social partners in 2002.

• 14 Jan 2008
  Greece: Social dialogue on reform of insurance system begins despite obstacles

  The insurance system is emerging as an issue of high priority for the government. As a result, the government has invited the political parties and social partners to engage in dialogue on the planned changes. The trade unions have set conditions for their participation in the dialogue, as well as announcing industrial action against the presentation and adoption of the new budget; the unions are particularly concerned about reforms in relation to retirement and pensions.

• 14 Jan 2008
  France: Craftswork employers seek to develop local economy

  At the end of October 2007, the Craftwork Employers’ Association held its congress in Paris, addressing the theme that ‘developing the local economy is a societal choice’. As well as discussing this issue, the delegates highlighted the specific nature of their professions, while at the same time expressing their desire to participate more in developing social dialogue.

• 14 Jan 2008
  France: Senate report pushes for reform of vocational training system

  A Senate report, published in July 2007, proposes a reform of the vocational training system. The key measure proposed is the creation of a ‘training savings account’, offering employees the right to training during their working life. Employer organisations and trade unions oppose the idea of abolishing company contributions to the training plan, as well as the merger of the National Employment Agency and the Union for Employment in Industry and Commerce.

• 14 Jan 2008
  France: Economic and Social Council advocates more job security for workers

  In June 2007, the French Economic and Social Council adopted a recommendation for ensuring a more stable career path for workers. The compromise text was published on the eve of negotiations between the social partners on modernising the labour market. The Council emphasises the importance of providing good quality work, training and a guaranteed income. It highlights the need for greater access to employment, better management of career transitions and individual responsibility.

• 14 Jan 2008
  France: Criticism over new tax cuts to boost economic growth

  In August 2007, the French parliament adopted a law promoting work, jobs and purchasing power. It introduced a set of measures aiming to stimulate economic growth, by creating a ‘confidence shock’. The package contains a range of tax cuts, including in relation to overtime work, and income distribution measures. However, the effects that can be expected from the reforms are still uncertain, and several criticisms have been raised.

• 14 Jan 2008
  Finland: Controversy over law restricting right to strike in healthcare sector

  A new government act which has made it possible to order healthcare professionals to continue working even if the person in question has resigned has evoked animated discussion among the social partners about the rules of industrial action. Trade unions have condemned the act as an intervention of employees’ right to strike, while the heads of trade union confederations have also demanded that the responsibility of trade unions in the case of protected work be improved.

• 14 Jan 2008
  Finland: High pay increases agreed in 2007 sectoral bargaining round

  Following the centralised national incomes policy agreement for 2005−2007, which provided for relatively moderate pay increases, the sectoral or branch-level collective bargaining round has resulted in high pay increases for all employees. Due to the level of pay increases in the sectoral agreements, the government has decided not to reduce employees’ income tax in 2008.

• 14 Jan 2008
  France: Workplace suicides highlight issue of rising stress levels at work

  Within a few months, several workers in France have taken their own lives – almost all of them in the workplace. This may indicate deteriorating working conditions, in particular increasing stress levels among and growing pressure on workers. Trade unions claim that excessive isolation of workers due to high workloads and fierce competition leads to a malaise in companies and thus call for a reflection on choices of work organisation.

• 14 Jan 2008
  Hungary: Union merger in electricity sector strengthens confederation position

  The major trade union federation in the electricity sector has joined the Democratic League of Independent Trade Unions (LIGA), leaving the Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions. This move further strengthens LIGA, which is currently one of the most dynamic trade union confederations in Hungary. Such an affiliation change may encourage confederations to improve their efficiency and provide better services to their members.

• 14 Jan 2008
  Ireland: Polish workers secure jobs and back pay after dispute at electricity plant

  Around 200 Polish members of the Technical Electrical and Engineering Union, who had been working on a refit of the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) power generation plant at Moneypoint, have accepted the terms of a recent settlement. The deal followed a dispute between the workers and the ESB, its main contractor, Lentjes, and the subcontractor ZRE Katowicz Ireland over the non-payment of wages and other entitlements.

• 14 Jan 2008
  Luxembourg: Employers open debate on flexicurity issue

  The Federation of Luxembourg Industrialists has presented the results of a study on the possibility of transposing the Danish model of flexicurity into Luxembourg. However, the Luxembourg Confederation of Independent Trade Unions believes that the country’s socioeconomic model already offers a form of flexicurity. For its part, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has argued that it makes more sense to develop a version specific to Luxembourg.

• 14 Jan 2008
  Luxembourg: Social services, health and education unions call for better working conditions and pay

  In December 2007, the three trade unions representing the social services, health and education sectors have called for demonstrations. The Health, Social Services and Education Union has been demanding a review of pay scales for many years, while also calling for reforms to reflect the duration and level of education required to work in the professions concerned. The National Union of Teachers and the Education and Science Union joined forces to defend the teaching profession.

• 14 Jan 2008
  Malta: Nursing aides dispute reveals inter-union rivalry

  Nursing aides have been in disagreement with the government over issues relating to pay, rosters and a premium allowance. Since the General Workers’ Union (GWU), which represents the nursing aides, considered that these issues were not being addressed properly, the trade union resorted to partial industrial action on several occasions. GWU was also annoyed when the government decided to reach an agreement with the Union of United Workers instead.

• 14 Jan 2008
  Netherlands: Agreement reached at Unilever after three-week strike over plant closures

  In mid October 2007, staff at the Unilever plant in the Netherlands went on strike for over three weeks in protest against the group’s plan to close three of the country’s six Unilever plants. The trade unions believe that the closures are unnecessary and are calling for job guarantees for employees currently facing dismissal. An agreement was subsequently reached, specifying that redundant staff would receive dismissal compensation, while offering job guarantees until 2010.

• 14 Jan 2008
  Norway: Expert committee to examine shift and rotation work

  In early November 2007, the Norwegian government set up an expert committee to deliberate different aspects of working time schemes involving shift and rotation work. A central question in this case is whether or not the two types of working time schemes may be regarded as equal, one of the consequences of which may be shorter working hours for female-dominated groups in the health and social care sector.

• 14 Jan 2008
  Norway: Court rules in favour of Polish workers claiming to be ordinary employees

  A Norwegian court has ruled in favour of 19 Polish construction workers who claimed they were in a standard employment relationship with a company and not engaged as self-employed workers. The ruling delivered in November 2007 awarded the workers the right to damages equalling the difference between their actual pay at the time of employment and the legally binding minimum wage, which totals about €245,000 in compensation.

• 14 Jan 2008
  United Kingdom: Report assesses companies’ responses to information and consultation law

  In October 2007, the UK government published a research report examining employee information and consultation bodies in a range of organisations following recent legislation on the issue. The report found that their influence on company decisions is often limited, but that they are taken seriously by management, and that consultation practice is evolving.

• 14 Jan 2008
  Belgium: Telework in Belgium

  Since the implementation of the national collective agreement on telework in July 2006, teleworking has become the subject of increasing interest. In particular, researchers have been examining the positive and negative impacts of the telework agreement, as well as the growing potential for employers to offer this type of work in their own company. In addition, the improved access to information and communication technologies in recent years facilitates the development of telework in the immediate future.

• 14 Jan 2008
  Belgium: Overview of 2007–2008 sectoral bargaining rounds

  Since consensus was reached on the intersectoral agreement in February 2007, the sectoral bargaining rounds have been underway in Belgium. Among the main features of these 2007–2008 sectoral agreements are moderate wage increases and innovations in lifelong learning, along with additional social security benefits and the broadening of the bargaining agenda with corporate social responsibility issues.

• 14 Jan 2008
  Czech Republic: Social partners hold joint talks on improving working conditions in retail chains

  On 1 November 2007, discussions on improving working conditions in commercial chains were initiated by social partner representatives. The situation in supermarkets and hypermarkets is particularly critical, as workers often report adverse working conditions. The current higher-level collective agreement for the sector is set to expire on 31 December 2007. Although discussions are underway for a new agreement, the social partners remain divided over the issue of real wages.

• 14 Jan 2008
  Czech Republic: Teachers strike for increase in education budget

  On 4 December 2007, teachers in the Czech Republic went on strike in demand of increased public spending on education. Although the government proposed to increase the education budget by almost CZK 1 billion (€38 million), the trade unions considered this amount to be insufficient. The strike is the first major industrial action taken by the country’s teachers since September 2003.

• 14 Jan 2008
  Czech Republic: No increase in minimum wage planned for 2008

  The Czech government has announced that it will not increase the minimum wage for 2008. While employer representatives have endorsed the decision, the trade unions have expressed their fundamental reservations about the decision. This latest impasse represents yet another policy disagreement between the trade unions and government, following the unions’ protests against public finance and pension reforms in 2007.

• 14 Jan 2008
  Czech Republic: Telework in the Czech Republic

  A new Labour Code came into effect in the Czech Republic in January 2007. The new law widened the definition of work carried out away from the employer’s premises, and this is now understood to include telework although it is not actually specified. This article looks at the extent of telework in the Czech Republic and explores the progress in implementing the EU framework agreement on telework, concluded by the European social partners in 2002.

• 14 Jan 2008
  Germany: Fostering the employment of older workers in the future

  The Institute for Employment Research recently published its latest findings on the situation of older employees in the workplace. The study reveals that employees aged over 50 years represented only a small proportion of new recruits in 2006. Moreover, the number of establishments that implemented policies to foster the employment of older workers decreased between 2002 and 2006.

• 14 Jan 2008
  Denmark: Public sector unions anticipate conflict in wage bargaining round

  Collective bargaining in the public sector scheduled for early 2008 in Denmark is on a collision course before the actual negotiations have even started. High expectations among employees of significant wage increases, alongside intervention from the political parties, have created a turbulent atmosphere. In this unprecedented context, the largest public sector trade unions are preparing for a major conflict in relation to renewing the collective agreements.

• 14 Jan 2008
  Estonia: Social partners reach agreement on minimum wage for 2008

  In November 2007, the Estonian social partners concluded a national-level bipartite agreement which raised the monthly minimum wage for 2008 to EEK 4,350 (about €278) or an hourly rate of EEK 27 (€1.73). Compared with 2007, this represents an almost 21% increase in the minimum wage. Thus, the agreement paved the way for the biggest minimum wage increase in recent years. Nonetheless, the minimum wage still only represents 33% of the national average wage.

• 11 Jan 2008
  Romania: Port workers initiate protest action against illegal work

  Disappointed by a new law approved recently by the Ministry of Transport, which contradicts an agreement signed in May 2006, the National Federation of Harbour Unions decided to begin protest action. Although the transport minister does not agree with all of the trade unions’ demands to modify the law, he showed his willingness to stamp out illegal work in ports, which is the main cause of dissatisfaction among the unions.

• 08 Jan 2008
  Sweden: So-called ‘gazelle’ companies creating employment opportunities

  After years of decline in the number of so-called ‘gazelle companies’, the Swedish economy has experienced a significant increase in these rapidly expanding enterprises. Although only 1% of Swedish workers are employed by gazelle companies, they accounted for as many as 20% of workers hired over the past three years. Some business actors have remarked that this trend can contribute to higher economic growth and lower unemployment; however, the trade unions have yet to comment in this regard.

• 08 Jan 2008
  Germany: Minimum wage for mail delivery workers

  At the end of November 2007, the government announced its intention to introduce a minimum wage in the postal services sector, with effect from January 2008. The minimum wages will be binding for all workers involved in mail delivery services and the agreed hourly rate will range between €8 and €9.80, depending on the occupational category and region. Following the decision, some competitors of the market leader Deutsche Post announced that they would be forced to retreat from the market, to a certain degree, as they could not afford to pay the new rates.

• 04 Jan 2008
  Malta: Social partners present proposals for reform of economic and social council

  Earlier this year, the chair of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development resigned in the wake of a government call for the council to be reformed. The social partners are in agreement with the government’s aim to restructure the council and have put forward their proposals for improving its operations.