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July 2008

• 31 Jul 2008
  EU Countries: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Manufacture of sugar

  This report examines the operations of social partner organisations and collective bargaining in the sugar manufacture sector. The study first outlines the economic background of the sector. The second part analyses the social partner organisations in the Member States of the European Union (with the exception of Cyprus, Estonia, Ireland, Luxembourg and Malta, where the sector is not present), looking in particular at membership levels, the role of the organisations in collective bargaining and public policy, and their national and European affiliations. The third and final part of the report analyses the relevant European organisations, in particular their membership composition and capacity to negotiate. The aim of the EIRO representativeness studies is to identify the relevant national and supranational social partner organisations in the field of industrial relations in selected sectors. The impetus for these studies arises from the goal of the European Commission to recognise the representative social partner associations to be consulted under the EC Treaty provisions. Hence, this study seeks to provide basic information required to establish sectoral social dialogue.

• 17 Jul 2008
  Denmark: Telework in Denmark

  In 2006, more than a quarter of the Danish workforce were engaged in telework to some extent. Collective agreements have made provision for this type of work since the 1990s, and various definitions of the practice have arisen. However, the social partners in Denmark have been slow in implementing the EU framework agreement on telework, concluded by the European social partners in 2002. A variety of reasons have been put forward to explain this delay.

• 17 Jul 2008
  Romania: Government seeks to bring home Romanians working abroad

  Faced with shortages on the domestic labour market, in February 2008 the Romanian government launched a plan to encourage the 3 million or so Romanian citizens working abroad to return home. The government’s objective is supported by the social partners, but trade unions are concerned that incentives to attract workers to return discriminate against those who have remained in Romania, and may encourage some to emigrate in order to benefit from the incentives on their return.

• 17 Jul 2008
  Romania: Government proposes decoupling minimum wage from social benefits and contributions

  In June 2008, the Romanian government issued draft legislation that would sever the current link between the national minimum wage and the level of a number of social security benefits, allowances and contributions. A new inflation-linked ‘reference indicator’ would be used instead. The objective is to reduce the effect of minimum wage increases on public expenditure.

• 17 Jul 2008
  Greece: Controversy over sectoral bargaining in banking

  In early summer 2008, after refusing to enter into the bargaining process over a new sectoral collective agreement for the banking industry, two of the Greece’s biggest banks announced unilateral pay rises for their staff. The Greek Federation of Bank Employee Unions (OTOE) has accused employers of attempting to abolish sectoral bargaining and weaken the trade union movement, and has called protest strikes.

• 17 Jul 2008
  Italy: New president of Confindustria unveils ambitious programme

  In May 2008, Emma Marcegaglia took over as President of the Confederation of Italian Industry (Confindustria). The new president outlined the policies that she intends to adopt over the next four years, stating that, despite the current economic crisis in Italy, there is ‘a unique opportunity to relaunch the country’. She highlighted the need for institutional reform, flexicurity, more women and young people in the labour market, and a reform of collective bargaining.

• 17 Jul 2008
  Slovenia: Employer groups question representativeness criteria

  In the past, Slovenia had a system whereby all enterprises and craftworkers were organised in chambers with obligatory membership. According to a recent law, membership of a chamber is voluntary for companies. However, some new chambers claim that the representativeness criteria are too stringent. They fear that the new Chamber of Commerce and Industry will acquire all of the assets of its former organisation, instead of sharing them with other representative chambers.

• 17 Jul 2008
  Sweden: Debate intensifies over responsibility for migrant workers

  Following a government proposal on new labour migration policy, the Swedish Trade Union Confederation has proposed a set of measures to prevent the exploitation of migrant workers. The measures place an emphasis on illegal migrants, who are regarded as being particularly vulnerable. However, the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise has criticised the proposals and argues against such responsibilities being placed on employers.

• 17 Jul 2008
  Ireland: Benchmarking report urges pay rise for lower-paid grades in banking

  A special pay benchmarking report covering the Central Bank of Ireland and the state-run Financial Services Authority has recommended pay increases of up to 20% for lower-paid grades, and only minimal rises for higher grades. Some 700 staff employees working in the administrative, clerical and professional grades were not awarded any increase. The benchmarking exercise is the second such initiative to be undertaken by the Central Bank body.

• 17 Jul 2008
  Hungary: Trade unions oppose new rules to impose litigation costs on employees

  New rules introduced earlier in 2008 relating to the payment of litigation costs in labour lawsuits will mean that the defeated party will have to repay duties and other related costs which were paid in advance by the state. This is in addition to paying the costs incurred by the adverse party. Trade unions are outraged by the new rule and have immediately initiated talks at the National Interest Reconciliation Council and with the prime minister, so far without success.

• 17 Jul 2008
  Finland: Employers announce the end of centralised tripartite bargaining structure

  The Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK) has announced that sectoral, company and even individual-level bargaining will be the negotiation models of the future. EK has for a long time argued that the solidaristic wage policy offering equal pay increases to every branch of the economy and employee group has come to an end. With the renouncement of the centralised bargaining model, trade union confederations will be compelled to intensify their cooperation.

• 17 Jul 2008
  Czech Republic: Anti-discrimination law still in limbo

  The Anti-discrimination Act, through which the Czech Republic will adopt European law, has not yet come into force. President Václav Klaus vetoed the act, saying that it stood for the elimination of natural inequalities and was problematic. Meanwhile, some of the newer acts, such as the new Labour Code, include a reference to this law, thereby creating a gap in the country’s legislation. The act will be presented in parliament for an up-or-down vote on the president’s veto.

• 17 Jul 2008
  Bulgaria: Renewed employment strategy for 2008-2015 adopted

  In late April 2008, the Bulgarian government adopted a renewed employment strategy for 2008-2015. The strategy is aligned to the updated EU Lisbon strategy, which focuses on a flexicurity approach. The strategy was drawn up with the participation of the social partners and aims to increase the employment rate, cut unemployment, reduce early school-leaving and boost labour productivity.

• 16 Jul 2008
  France: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services sector – France

  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 post and courier services sector in France. 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.

• 16 Jul 2008
  EU Countries: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services

  This report examines the operations of social partner organisations and collective bargaining in the post and courier services sector. Outlining first the economic background of the sector, the study goes on to analyse the social partner organisations in all Member States of the European Union, with special emphasis on membership levels, the role of the organisations in collective bargaining and public policy, and their national and European affiliations. The final part of the report examines the relevant European organisations, in particular their membership composition and capacity to negotiate. EIRO representativeness studies aim to identify the relevant national and supranational social partner organisations in the field of industrial relations in selected sectors. The impetus for these studies arises from the goal of the European Commission to recognise the representative social partner associations to be consulted under the EC Treaty provisions. Hence, this study seeks to provide basic information required to establish sectoral social dialogue.

• 16 Jul 2008
  Cyprus: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services – Cyprus

  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 post and courier services sector in Cyprus. 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.

• 16 Jul 2008
  Austria: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services – 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 post and courier services 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.

• 16 Jul 2008
  Czech Republic: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services – Czech Republic

  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 post and courier services sector in the Czech Republic. 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.

• 16 Jul 2008
  Poland: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services – Poland

  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 post and courier activities sector in Poland. 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.

• 16 Jul 2008
  United Kingdom: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services – United Kingdom

  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 post and courier activities 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.

• 16 Jul 2008
  Slovenia: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services – Slovenia

  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 post and courier activities sector in Slovenia. 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.

• 16 Jul 2008
  Italy: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services – Italy

  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 post and courier activities sector in Italy. 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.

• 16 Jul 2008
  Slovakia: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services – 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 post and courier services 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.

• 16 Jul 2008
  Hungary: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services – Hungary

  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 post and courier services sector in Hungary. 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.

• 16 Jul 2008
  Spain: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services – 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 post and courier services 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.

• 16 Jul 2008
  Lithuania: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services – 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 post and courier activities 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.

• 16 Jul 2008
  Romania: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services sector – Romania

  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 post and courier services sector in Romania. 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.

• 16 Jul 2008
  Luxembourg: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services – Luxembourg

  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 post and courier services sector in Luxembourg. 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.

• 16 Jul 2008
  Malta: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services – 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 post and courier services 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.

• 16 Jul 2008
  Bulgaria: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services – Bulgaria

  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 post and courier services sector in Bulgaria. 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.

• 16 Jul 2008
  Latvia: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services – Latvia

  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 post and courier services sector in Latvia. 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.

• 15 Jul 2008
  Germany: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services sector – Germany

  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 post and courier services sector in Germany. 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.

• 15 Jul 2008
  Ireland: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services – 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 post and courier services 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.

• 15 Jul 2008
  Estonia: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services 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 post and courier services 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.

• 15 Jul 2008
  Sweden: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services – 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 post and courier services 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.

• 15 Jul 2008
  Greece: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services – Greece

  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 post and courier services sector in Greece. 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.

• 15 Jul 2008
  Finland: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services – 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 post and courier services 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.

• 15 Jul 2008
  Belgium: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services 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 post and courier services 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.

• 15 Jul 2008
  Denmark: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services – Denmark

  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 post and courier services sector in Denmark. 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.

• 15 Jul 2008
  Portugal: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services – Portugal

  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 post and courier activities sector in Portugal. 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.

• 15 Jul 2008
  Netherlands: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services – Netherlands

  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 post and courier activities sector in the Netherlands. 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.

• 14 Jul 2008
  EU Countries: Developments in industrial action 2003–2007

  This overview examines developments in industrial action across the European Union and in Norway over the period 2003–2007. The data show that while overall levels of industrial action were low in historical terms during this period, there were considerable variations between countries. The most ‘strike-prone’ countries included Belgium, France and Spain, while Latvia and Lithuania were essentially strike-free. The level of action in the new Member States was only about a quarter of that in the former EU15; however, some new Member States have begun to see a rise in strike activity in recent times. Industry and manufacturing were the sectors most prone to conflict, followed by transport and communications, and the broad public sector. The most common cause of industrial action was disputes over pay.

• 14 Jul 2008
  Italy: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Manufacture of sugar – Italy

  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 sugar manufacturing sector in Italy. 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.

• 14 Jul 2008
  Hungary: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Manufacture of sugar – Hungary

  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 sugar manufacturing sector in Hungary. 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.

• 14 Jul 2008
  Finland: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Manufacture of sugar – 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 sugar manufacturing 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.

• 14 Jul 2008
  Denmark: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Manufacture of sugar – Denmark

  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 sugar manufacturing sector in Denmark. 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.

• 14 Jul 2008
  Spain: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Manufacture of sugar – 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 sugar manufacturing 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.

• 14 Jul 2008
  Bulgaria: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Manufacture of sugar – Bulgaria

  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 sugar manufacturing sector in Bulgaria. 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.

• 14 Jul 2008
  Austria: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Manufacture of sugar – 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 sugar manufacturing 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.

• 11 Jul 2008
  Poland: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Manufacture of sugar – Poland

  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 sugar manufacturing sector in Poland. 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.

• 11 Jul 2008
  Netherlands: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Manufacture of sugar – The Netherlands

  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 sugar manufacturing sector in the Netherlands. 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.

• 11 Jul 2008
  Slovenia: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Manufacture of sugar – Slovenia

  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 sugar manufacturing sector in Slovenia. 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.

• 11 Jul 2008
  Sweden: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Manufacture of sugar – 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 sugar manufacturing 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.

• 10 Jul 2008
  Romania: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Manufacture of sugar – Romania

  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 sugar manufacturing sector in Romania. 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.

• 10 Jul 2008
  Belgium: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Manufacture of sugar – 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 sugar manufacturing 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.

• 10 Jul 2008
  Czech Republic: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Manufacture of sugar – Czech Republic

  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 sugar manufacturing sector in the Czech Republic. 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.

• 10 Jul 2008
  Ireland: Non-union employer sets up joint committee on outsourcing

  In May 2008, a leading non-union company, O2 Ireland, and the Communication Workers Union agreed to establish a joint consultative committee to inform and consult on the outsourcing of the company’s technology department. The joint committee stops short of full trade union recognition in the company; the trade union, however, sees it as a significant development in such a major non-union company.

• 10 Jul 2008
  France: Social partners agree new representativeness and collective bargaining rules

  In April 2008, four of the current eight representative social partner organisations adopted a so-called ‘common position’ on social dialogue. The document makes provision for basing representativeness on the votes received by trade unions during workplace elections. However, the signatories are not satisfied with the way in which the document has been transcribed into a draft bill, and other social partners had already criticised the agreed common position.

• 10 Jul 2008
  United Kingdom: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Manufacture of sugar – United Kingdom

  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 sugar manufacturing 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.

• 10 Jul 2008
  Slovakia: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Manufacture of sugar – 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 sugar manufacturing 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.

• 09 Jul 2008
  Greece: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Manufacture of sugar – Greece

  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 sugar manufacturing sector in Greece. 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.

• 09 Jul 2008
  France: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Manufacture of sugar – France

  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 sugar manufacturing sector in France. 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.

• 09 Jul 2008
  Germany: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Manufacture of sugar – Germany

  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 sugar manufacturing sector in Germany. 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.

• 09 Jul 2008
  Portugal: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Manufacture of sugar – Portugal

  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 sugar manufacturing sector in Portugal. 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.

• 09 Jul 2008
  Latvia: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Manufacture of sugar – Latvia

  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 sugar manufacturing sector in Latvia. 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.

• 09 Jul 2008
  Lithuania: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Manufacture of sugar – 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 sugar manufacturing 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.

• 09 Jul 2008
  Ireland: Hospital consultants agree to change work practice in return for increase in pay

  After years of stop-start negotiations, Ireland’s hospital consultants have finally concluded a new contract with health employers as of May 2008. The new contract gives medical consultants a significant pay increase in return for agreeing to both reduce their private practice (while increasing their input into the public hospital system), and increase working time flexibility. Moreover, the government aims to step up the number of consultants working in Irish hospitals.

• 09 Jul 2008
  Slovakia: Specialist doctors organise protest against low income

  The Slovak Union of Medical Specialists appealed to doctors to participate in a joint industrial action day in May 2008, in order to show their dissatisfaction with salary levels. However, the biggest trade union organisation in the healthcare sector did not support the action, although it did inform the European Economic and Social Committee about the situation in the Slovakian healthcare sector. The Ministry of Health rejected both actions, considering them as unfounded.

• 09 Jul 2008
  Sweden: Trade unions take action to counter membership decline

  An ongoing trend since the early 1990s in several European countries is the decline in trade union membership. This development was accentuated in Sweden in 2006. According to the national-level trade unions, it is partly a result of recent changes in the Swedish unemployment insurance system. The trade unions are now taking action to stop the decline in membership. The Swedish labour market model could be at risk if trade union density declines further.

• 09 Jul 2008
  Austria: Smallest trade union seeks to merge with larger organisation

  In May 2008, the highest governing body of the Arts, Media, Sports and Liberal Professions Union (KMSfB) decided to merge with an ‘appropriate partner union’ in order to secure membership services and a support structure. As a result, talks have been initiated with the Municipal Workers’ Union and, in particular, the Union of Public Employees. The plan to merge is a response to significant membership losses and financial instability of Austria’s smallest trade union.

• 09 Jul 2008
  Bulgaria: Social partners agree a 100% pay increase in health sector

  After long and difficult negotiations, a new collective agreement was signed in the healthcare sector at the beginning of June 2008. The agreement was negotiated between the Ministry of Healthcare, trade unions’ medical federations and employers’ association. It provides for a 100% increase in starting wages for medical personnel.

• 03 Jul 2008
  France: New ‘user-friendly’ Labour Code comes into force

  On 1 May 2008, a new version of the Labour Code came into force in France. The Labour Code has been reworked ‘on the basis of established law’, with the aim of making it clearer and more practical in its application. However, according to opponents of the new code, the changes introduced create new relationships between the different articles of the code, which could lead to changes in jurisprudence.

• 03 Jul 2008
  United Kingdom: Review of flexible working legislation paves way for its extension

  In May 2008, the government published an independent review of the UK’s flexible working legislation. While the review found that the legislation was proving effective, it recommended that the right to request flexible working arrangements be extended to the parents of children up to the age of 16 years. The government has accepted this recommendation and will introduce legislation giving effect to this in the next session of parliament, beginning in the autumn of 2008.

• 03 Jul 2008
  Portugal: Massive demonstration against proposed labour reforms

  On 5 June 2008, around 200,000 persons participated in a demonstration organised by the trade union confederation CGTP against the ongoing labour reforms in the private and in public sector and, in particular, against the government proposals on the revision of the Labour Code. This is the third time that the present socialist government has faced a major demonstration organised by trade unions.

• 03 Jul 2008
  Portugal: Government and UGT unions agree on employment contract system in the public sector

  In May 2008, the socialist government and the trade unions affiliated to the trade union confederation UGT reached an agreement on the employment contract system for the public sector. However, the trade unions affiliated to the trade union confederation CGTP rejected the agreement. The agreement sets out provisions for the public sector that are similar to those covering the private sector in relation to working conditions and labour relations.

• 03 Jul 2008
  United Kingdom: Strike over pensions hits oil and gas production

  In April 2008, workers at the Grangemouth oil refinery in Scotland held a 48-hour strike over the issue of pensions. About 1,200 employees took part in the strike, which also forced the closure of the Forties pipeline which supplies oil and gas to British and international markets. The Grangemouth workers are seeking to protect their existing pension scheme, arguing that the company can afford to sustain both new and existing members.

• 03 Jul 2008
  Germany: Employee financial participation in companies

  Marked differences exist in the distribution of profit-related pay schemes and employee share ownership according to economic sector and size of establishment. While works councils consider the majority of such schemes as a chance for employees to take advantage of good business results, they are also aware that these forms of ownership involve risks. These are some of the findings of a works council survey published in June 2008 by the Institute of Economic and Social Research.

• 03 Jul 2008
  EU Level: Social partners issue joint declaration on draft EU directive for temporary agency workers

  The European social partners for the temporary agency work sector, Eurociett and UNI-Europa, have reached an agreement on a joint declaration on the draft directive on working conditions for temporary agency workers. The agreement urges the European Union to set a regulatory framework for temporary agency work, applying the equal treatment principle for temporary agency workers with regard to their basic working and employment conditions.

• 03 Jul 2008
  United Kingdom: Draft legislative programme heralds extension of workers’ rights

  Proposed new employment rights featured prominently in the government’s draft legislative programme for the next session of parliament, published in May 2008. The government announced plans for legislation to extend the statutory right of parents and carers to request flexible working arrangements, and to establish new rules for the fairer treatment of temporary agency workers. The main trade union and employer organisations welcomed the government’s initiatives.

• 03 Jul 2008
  United Kingdom: Government and social partners agree on equal treatment for agency workers in EU directive

  In May 2008, the UK government reached agreement with the main employer and trade union organisations on the implementation of equal treatment for temporary agency workers. The move facilitated political agreement at European level on both the temporary agency work directive and the revision of the working time directive.

• 03 Jul 2008
  Portugal: UGT takes cautious stance on proposed labour relations reform

  The trade union confederation UGT presented in May 2008 a detailed analysis of the government proposals concerning the reform of labour relations, highlighting the positive and the negative aspects and presenting topics for further discussion. In UGT’s view, the government proposals concerning some issues are better than its previous White Paper recommendations. However, despite agreement with the government on several aspects, there are some measures with which UGT still disagrees.