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May 2009

• 29 May 2009
  EU Countries: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Personal services sector

  This report sets out to provide the necessary information for establishing sectoral social dialogue in the personal services sector. The report falls into three main parts: a brief summary of the sector’s economic background; an analysis of the social partner organisations in all EU Member States, with the exception of Malta, with special emphasis on their membership, role in collective bargaining and public policy, and national and European affiliations; and, finally, an overview of the relevant European organisations, in particular 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 of these studies arises from the European Commission objective to recognise the representative social partner associations to be consulted under the EC Treaty provisions. Hence, this study is designed to provide the basic information required to establish sectoral social dialogue.

• 28 May 2009
  EU Countries: Temporary agency work and collective bargaining in the EU

  This report reviews the present situation regarding the use of temporary agency work (TAW) in European Union Member States. It looks at arrangements for social dialogue and collective bargaining at national level across the EU. It examines the role of collective bargaining in determining such matters as length of assignment, the use of TAW in strikes, and the proportion of agency workers allowed; it also looks at the role of collective bargaining in determining equality of treatment in pay, training and other conditions of employment. In addition, the report reviews other forms of regulation, and national variations, including the composition of companies in the field of TAW, its sectoral and occupational distribution, and the duration of temporary assignments.

• 28 May 2009
  EU Countries: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Hospitals

  This report examines the role of social partner associations and collective bargaining in the economic subsector of hospital activities. The study first outlines the economic background of the sector. It then describes the relevant social partner associations in all EU Member States, focusing in particular on membership levels, their role in collective bargaining and public policy, and their national and European affiliations. The final section analyses the relevant European associations, in terms of 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 of these studies arises from the European Commission objective to recognise the representative social partner associations to be consulted under the EC Treaty provisions. Hence, this study is designed to provide the basic information required to establish sectoral social dialogue.

• 27 May 2009
  Malta: Industrial dispute in health sector resolved

  In March 2009, the Union of United Workers (UHM) threatened a series of strikes in the health sector due to eight unsolved industrial disputes it had with the government’s Health Division. However, the matter was subsequently resolved after a meeting with the Minister of Finance held on 16 March 2009, thereby averting strike action. Under the agreement, the government promised to adopt measures seeking to resolve the issues raised by UHM.

• 21 May 2009
  Malta: Social partners propose package to get economy going

  By the first quarter of 2009, several companies especially in the manufacturing and tourism sectors were experiencing difficulties as a result of the global economic crisis. Three major social partner organisations, the General Workers’ Union, the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, and the Malta Employers’ Association, presented their recommendations to the Maltese government for improving the situation in the country.

• 21 May 2009
  Estonia: Tripartite agreement on measures to maintain jobs

  In March 2009, representatives of several Estonian ministries, trade unions and employer organisations reached an agreement on principles for maintaining employment levels and helping more effectively people who are registered as unemployed. Several measures in the areas of lifelong learning, social security and flexible employment possibilities were proposed.

• 21 May 2009
  EU Level: European Parliament amends proposal on private company statute

  In March 2009, the European Parliament adopted the report on the Statute for a European Private Company. The objective of the proposed European Private Company (EPC) is to encourage cross-border activities of small and medium-sized enterprises. Like the European company statute, it is expected to contain provisions to protect employee involvement. Amendments proposed by the Parliament aim to avoid that companies use the EPC statute to circumvent rules on workers’ rights.

• 21 May 2009
  United Kingdom: New employment legislation takes effect

  In April 2009, a number of significant legislative reforms were introduced in the UK, some of which were influenced by the new Employment Act 2008. Reforms include the wider coverage of flexible working rights, stronger measures to enforce the national minimum wage including penalties for employers that underpay, new workplace disputes procedures and increased statutory holiday entitlement.

• 21 May 2009
  Bulgaria: Police use internet forum to organise new trade union

  Since December 2008, police officers have been lobbying for a pay rise and an improvement in their working conditions. Intensive discussions have been held on an internet forum on the need to establish a new trade union to protect the labour interests of members of the police force. The new Trade Union Federation of Employees in the Ministry of Interior was set up on 15 February 2009 in the city of Stara Zagora.

• 21 May 2009
  Germany: New collective agreement for public sector

  In March 2009, a bargaining association led by the United Services Union and the Employers’ Association of German Länder reached agreement on a new collective agreement on pay for public sector employees, including apprentices, in almost all the federal states. A series of strikes prior to the agreement involved in particular teachers in eastern Germany. The agreement also provides for an adjustment of pay scales in eastern Germany to those of western Germany by January 2010.

• 21 May 2009
  Spain: Sony agrees to maintain jobs in return for pay freeze

  Global manufacturer of audio, video and IT products Sony has agreed to present a viability plan for the continuity of its Barcelona plant, in exchange for longer working hours and a pay freeze. The agreement will preserve numerous jobs, as redundancies should now affect at most 93 workers rather than 275 persons, as first feared. Other companies have noted the strategy at Sony.

• 21 May 2009
  United Kingdom: Major job losses continue, but at lower levels

  In March and April 2009, mass job losses continued to be announced in the United Kingdom. Particularly affected were the manufacturing and financial services sectors, including the Royal Bank of Scotland. However, European Restructuring Monitor data appear to suggest that the scale of announced job losses in the UK has declined in recent months. The trade unions, nonetheless, continue to urge the government for a more interventionist economic policy.

• 21 May 2009
  Lithuania: Court dismisses case against trade union leaders

  Leaders of three national trade union organisations were charged with administrative violations after a protest action organised by them on 16 January 2009 ended in riots and civil unrest. However, the trade union leaders denied such charges and requested the court to discontinue administrative proceedings against them. On 14 April, the Second District Court of the City of Vilnius ruled in favour of the trade union leaders and cleared them of all charges.

• 21 May 2009
  Romania: Unions protest at ArcelorMittal Steel Galaţi’s proposed temporary unemployment measures

  A month after protest actions in March 2009, steel workers’ trade union representatives picketed prefecture offices in eight Romanian counties, as well as the Ministry of Public Finance in Bucharest. Among their grievances was the decision of ArcelorMittal Steel Galaţi to close the coke plant operating in the city’s industrial park, and to force into technical unemployment all of the company’s employees, by rotation, in 10-day stages during the second quarter of 2009.

• 21 May 2009
  Belgium: Social partners give the green light to ‘ecocheques’

  On 20 February 2009, the National Labour Council concluded a collective agreement on introducing ecocheques. The ecocheque is a wage premium, under certain conditions with social tax exemptions, focusing on environmentally-friendly and sustainable – so-called ‘green’ –consumer goods. The new system as well as an increase in the value of employees’ lunch vouchers are part of a broader plan to relaunch the country’s economy and maintain workers’ purchasing power.

• 21 May 2009
  United Kingdom: Employers and unions lobby government over budget

  Ahead of the budget statement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in April 2009, the Confederation of British Industry and the Trades Union Congress both issued budget submissions that aimed to influence the government’s policies for tackling the current economic recession and growing unemployment. The budget itself elicited mixed reactions from the social partners.

• 11 May 2009
  United Kingdom: Gender pay gap in financial services twice the UK average

  A report published in April 2009 by the UK’s Equality and Human Rights Commission revealed that there is a significant gender pay gap in the country’s financial services sector and that this gap increases in the case of the highest paid positions. Moreover, the Trades Union Congress has expressed concerns that an ‘impenetrable glass ceiling’ remains in place in this sector.

• 11 May 2009
  United Kingdom: Landmark judgment extends scope of public sector agreements

  A far-reaching judgment by the Employment Appeal Tribunal in January 2009 potentially extends the reach of public sector collective agreements into the private sector following a transfer of employees. The case involved 23 local government employees, who issued a claim for lost pay after the employer to which they were transferred refused to recognise their trade union for collective bargaining and to follow pay changes that had previously been agreed.

• 11 May 2009
  Lithuania: Education trade unions join to form new federation

  Trade unions representing education workers amalgamated in February 2009 to form the Lithuanian Federation of Education and Science Workers’ Trade Unions. However, the two unions involved have retained their autonomy. The new federation intends to ensure better protection for its members and stronger representation of the common interests of teachers and lecturers. It aims to develop more constructive dialogue with employers and the government.

• 11 May 2009
  Ireland: Finance minister seeks to cap pay of top bankers

  Financial institutions whose deposits have been fully guaranteed by the Irish government have been asked to limit the pay of top-level executives to €500,000 a year. The call was made by Ireland’s Minister for Finance, thereby overruling a proposal by a government body set up to examine pay at the top level of the country’s main banks. The latter body issued a report in March 2009 recommending pay thresholds for top-level executives in Ireland’s banks.

• 11 May 2009
  Ireland: Emergency budget includes public service pay review and early retirement

  In April 2009, the Irish government unveiled an emergency budget in response to the country’s deteriorating finances. It is the harshest budget facing citizens for many years and contains a number of ‘across the board’ tax rises. The budget includes a new early retirement scheme for civil servants aged over 50 years, a review of top public service pay to be undertaken by the Review Body on Higher Remuneration, and an Enterprise Stabilisation Fund to help protect jobs.

• 11 May 2009
  Norway: Public service merger stalls payment of unemployment benefits

  The Norwegian Welfare and Labour Administration (NAV) is currently unable to cope with the increasing number of applications for unemployment benefits. Lack of capacity to deal with the situation is being connected to the ongoing restructuring of the NAV services as well as the rising number of unemployed people due to the global economic crisis. In March 2009, the government announced extraordinary funding and simplified procedures to manage the problem.

• 11 May 2009
  Norway: Fee imposed on unorganised seafarers ruled unlawful

  In December 2008, the Norwegian Supreme Court ruled as unlawful a fee imposed on non-unionised seafarers by a collective agreement; the deduction was considered to be in breach of the principle regarding freedom of association. The fee was meant to cover trade union expenses in connection with efforts to ensure that non-unionised workers received the level of pay to which they were entitled. However, the trade union concerned will now have to return the money.

• 11 May 2009
  Luxembourg: Employers push for tighter controls on absenteeism

  During the negotiations on the introduction of a single status for blue and white-collar workers in Luxembourg, much debate arose regarding the impact on absenteeism and the cost to companies. Employer organisations agreed to a single status for workers in the private sector on condition that it would be cost neutral and that measures should be put in place to reduce the level of unjustified sick leave. Companies now appear to be taking action on the latter issue.

• 11 May 2009
  Belgium: Temporary unemployment is buffer to economic crisis

  Considered as a ‘flexicurity’ measure in Belgium, the temporary unemployment of blue-collar workers has increased sharply in the first months of the global economic crisis. However, social dialogue aiming to extend the system to other occupational groups seems to have failed. This failure is being circumvented at workplace level by using all forms of existing measures to reduce working time in order to save the jobs of white-collar workers too, especially in industry.

• 11 May 2009
  Norway: Expert committee to examine industrial democracy

  Systems regulating industrial democracy and other forms of worker participation are to be examined by an expert committee set up by the Norwegian government in late February 2009. The committee is to finish its work by March 2010. Recent research has found that worker participation often depends on company efficiency and profitability rather than democracy and fairness. Moreover, it can be difficult to fill the role of safety representative in the workplace.

• 11 May 2009
  Netherlands: Social partners support cabinet’s crisis package

  The social partners have finally agreed to support the crisis package proposed by the Dutch cabinet. However, their support is conditional on the mutual agreement that trade unions will only put forward modest wage demands and that employers would not raise the issue of adjusting the current retirement age of 65 years without due consideration. The Dutch cabinet has allocated €6 billion to maintain spending levels and infrastructural investment.

• 11 May 2009
  France: Major reshuffle of decentralised state employment services

  State departmental and regional services in France are currently being reorganised; the restructuring began in January 2009. This reorganisation process makes major changes in particular to the directorates responsible for public employment and labour policy, and is therefore causing concern among trade unions. The trade unions have highlighted a lack of dialogue as well as their fears that the restructuring will lead to significant redundancies.

• 11 May 2009
  France: Multi-industry talks on occupational health service reform

  Work sessions on the reform of the French occupational health service were due to conclude at the end of April 2009 and should lead to a multi-industry agreement in the summer of 2009. The discussions and the issues raised in various reports demonstrate that particular difficulties revolve around the declining number of occupational health officers. Other problems concern governance, funding and the doctors’ role in the workplace.

• 11 May 2009
  Ireland: Swiss aircraft maintenance company to fold in Dublin

  Efforts are continuing to establish a new operation at the Dublin plant of the Swiss-owned aircraft maintenance company, SR Technics, which is to close with the loss of 1,100 jobs. Meanwhile, the workers have protested over the redundancy package on offer, as well as the €26 million deficit in the pension fund. However, trade unions acknowledge that wage costs were significantly out of line with those of competitors.

• 11 May 2009
  EU Level: Risk assessment central to healthy workplaces campaign

  In March 2009, employers, trade unions and safety experts met to discuss the first year of the Healthy Workplaces Campaign. The campaign represents a major initiative by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work to reduce the 167,000 work-related deaths that occur each year in the European Union. A key objective of the campaign has been to promote the importance of risk assessment to prevent the incidence of work-related illnesses and accidents.

• 11 May 2009
  France: Workplace elections test new system of representation

  In March 2009, workplace elections were held at the French National Railway Company (SNCF). These elections are always eagerly awaited and were even more so this year, as they promised to create a new trade union landscape following the adoption of new rules on trade union representativeness at national level. The results of the elections met these expectations, with more alliances being formed and four trade unions departing from the scene.

• 11 May 2009
  Belgium: Trade unions call for better reconciliation between work and family

  Each year, Belgium’s trade unions organise several events during the month of March to highlight the issue of gender equality at the workplace. While gender discrimination is legally forbidden, a gender pay gap remains; the trade unions have thus sought to raise awareness of this issue among workers and politicians. In particular, they have focused on working women’s difficulties in reconciling their job and family life.

• 11 May 2009
  Ireland: Strategy report proposes integrated approach to tackling current crisis

  A new strategy report by Ireland’s National Economic and Social Council (NESC) published in March 2009 calls for an integrated national response to the country’s current crises. NESC’s analysis suggests that Ireland is facing not one but five closely-related crises: a banking crisis; a fiscal crisis; an economic crisis of competitiveness and job losses; a social crisis of unemployment, income loss and indebtedness; and a crisis regarding its reputation.

• 11 May 2009
  Slovenia: Unions demand social security increase for unemployed persons

  The Union of Free Trade Unions of Slovenia has proposed that the government should amend the Law on Employment and Unemployment Insurance and the Law on Social Security in order to increase the social security of unemployed persons. The changes concern an increase in unemployment benefit payments and financial social assistance, along with other measures. The call has come in the wake of the global economic crisis and rapidly rising unemployment levels in Slovenia.

• 11 May 2009
  Netherlands: Green light for deregulated postal services market

  By concluding a collective agreement with the new postal companies Sandd and Selekt Mail, the Allied Unions and Abvakabo FNV trade unions believe that the conditions necessary for swiftly deregulating the postal services market have been met. The Dutch cabinet and House of Representatives are in agreement. With effect from 1 April 2009, the postal services market is now fully deregulated. This development is set to open the Dutch market to European competition for a global market.

• 06 May 2009
  Romania: Romania: Representativeness of the European social partners – Personal services sector

• 06 May 2009
  Estonia: Estonia: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations – Personal services sector.

  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 personal 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.

• 06 May 2009
  Lithuania: Lithuania: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations – Personal services sector

  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 personal services 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.

• 06 May 2009
  Italy: Italy: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations – Personal services sector

  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 personal services 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.

• 06 May 2009
  Germany: Germany: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations – Personal services sector

  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 personal 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.