Publications

The Diversity Barometer 2016, a survey-based study by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, explores the perceptions and attitudes of human resources professionals to diversity in Finnish workplaces. It finds that the key aspects of diversity are age and age-related issues, language and ethnicity, and that professionals in the field see workplace diversity as strength.

This issue of Foundation Focus looks at work–life balance and some of the factors that help or hinder workers in combining working with non-working life.

Between July 2015 and July 2016, a new system of training for union representatives and shop stewards was introduced to modernise union training and enhance social dialogue. The EDUCA project was promoted by the Union of Autonomous Trade Unions of Croatia (SSSH) with the support of unions from the metalwork, construction, energy and commercial sectors.

Low-wage jobs have been a focus of debate in six countries across Europe during 2016. However, the issues discussed have reflected differing national concerns. For some countries, the key issue is the integration of migrants into the labour market; for others, how to stimulate job creation and reduce unemployment.

The Foundation Seminar Series (FSS) is an opportunity for governments, trade unions and employers to share knowledge and experiences on the development of EU social, employment and work-related policies.

The requirements for trade unions and employers’ organisations to claim representativeness have been amended to make eligibility easier to achieve. Using the new criteria, the Council of Ministers formally recognised five employer organisations and two trade unions as nationally representative in a decision announced on 10 August 2016.

A long-running debate about solidarity in industrial action by workers supporting another group, even though their own union is not involved in the dispute, has flared up. There are fears that the turbulence of the 2016 bargaining round will be repeated in 2017 and employers are seeking stricter regulation of the right to strike.

This paper is one in a series of sector profiles giving an overview of structural characteristics, work organisation practices, human resource management, employee participation and social dialogue in the construction sector. It is based on the third European Company Survey (ECS). The sector includes all activities related to construction. The third ECS contains responses from 2,014 establishments in this sector across the EU28.

This paper is one in a series of sector profiles giving an overview of structural characteristics, work organisation practices, human resource management, employee participation and social dialogue in the commerce and hospitality sector. It is based on the third European Company Survey (ECS). The sector includes all activities related to commerce and hospitality and the retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motor cycles, and accommodation and food service activities.

This paper is one in a series of sector profiles giving an overview of structural characteristics, work organisation practices, human resource management, employee participation and social dialogue in the transport sector. It is based on the third European Company Survey (ECS). The sector includes all activities related to transportation and storage (NACE H). The third ECS contains responses from 1,712 establishments in this sector across the EU28.