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December 2006

• 21 Dec 2006
  Finland: Strike at Finnair over restructuring is settled by conciliation

  A dispute has been ongoing for the past few months at Finnish national airline, Finnair, over the company’s restructuring plans. On 19 November 2006, Finnair cabin crew members decided to take strike action when a proposal by a national conciliator to postpone the start of the strike was rejected by the Finnish Cabin Crew Union. A draft settlement was subsequently reached on 20 November to stop the two-day strike. Both sides in the dispute accepted a draft settlement put forward by the national conciliator, Juhani Salonius. Mr Salonius did not submit a settlement proposal, as the dispute involved different interpretations of the existing collective agreement.

• 21 Dec 2006
  Finland: Strike over treatment of foreign workers at shipyard

  Around 3,000 workers went on strike at the Turku shipyard of the Norwegian shipbuilding company, Aker Yards, on 3 November to protest against the treatment of workers and level of wages paid to employees of foreign subcontractors. The dispute ended on 6 November when Aker Yards and the local trade union agreed that the company would insist that the foreign subcontractors should adhere to Finnish labour legislation. The dispute has highlighted the responsibility required in the use of contract services which has recently been one of the main qualitative goals in improving working life by trade unions.

• 21 Dec 2006
  Austria: Social partners sign new metalworking agreement

  At the beginning of November 2006, the social partners in the metalworking industry concluded a new collective agreement covering about 180,000 employees. The agreement provides for a pay increase of 2.6% and an additional one-off payment which depends, however, on profitability at individual company level. Both sides in the bargaining process were satisfied with the outcome of the negotiations; the trade unions achieved a relatively significant pay increase in return for an innovative, flexible profit-sharing scheme as demanded by the employers.

• 21 Dec 2006
  Belgium: Unions approve social plan in pharmaceutical plant closure

  The American pharmaceutical group Ely Lilly announced the closure of its research and development centre in Mont-Saint-Guibert in the Belgian province of Walloon Brabant. The closure will affect 330 staff members. Employees at the plant were surprised by this decision as the company had reported a positive growth rate of 5.7% in 2005. After a rejection of the social plan presented in October 2006, negotiations started again at the beginning of November and an agreement has been reached.

• 21 Dec 2006
  Estonia: Board censures employers for treatment of economically dependent workers

  The Estonian Tax and Customs Board has expressed dissatisfaction with employers who force their employees to become formally self employed while continuing to work solely for the same employe, a trend that seems to be on the increase in Estonia. The Estonian Employers’ Confederation has supported the statements of the Tax and Customs Board and has suggested that the legal regulations pertaining to self-employed people should be revised and reorganised.

• 21 Dec 2006
  Spain: Unions representing service station workers call for strike action

  After seven months of bargaining, talks on the collective agreement for the service station sub-sector recently broke down. The Federation of Allied Industries and the Federation of Textiles-Leather, Chemical and Allied Industries accused the Spanish Confederation of Fuel Vendors and the Spanish Confederation of Service Station Entrepreneurs of obstructing the bargaining process. The trade unions threatened to call a general strike in service stations on 7 and 8 November 2006, which would affect the entire country, with the exception of the Biscay and Guipúzcoa provinces in the Basque region where the agreement has already been signed.

• 21 Dec 2006
  Spain: Draft statute for self-employed workers approved

  The Self-Employed Workers’ Statute has been presented to the Council of Ministers as a draft bill following its approval by the trade unions in September 2006. An ad hoc expert committee has drawn up the draft statute in consultation with the associations that defend the interests of over three million self-employed people, representing almost 20% of the active population. Although it does not satisfy everyone, the statute meets traditional demands of this group and forms part of the Socialist Party’s electoral programme. The draft bill has received mixed reactions from the social partners.

• 21 Dec 2006
  EU Level: Agreement on worker participation in European financial services company

  In September 2006, the newly-formed European financial services company, Allianz SE, concluded an agreement on worker participation with the employee representatives and their trade unions. For the first time ever, a large company employing some 160,000 workers in virtually all EU Member States has expressly subscribed to a system of European management comprising significant mandatory worker participation.

• 21 Dec 2006
  EU Level: Eurobarometer survey on European employment and social policy

  According to an EU survey on ‘European employment and social policy’ published by the European Commission in November 2006, a large number of European citizens have a positive view of the EU’s role in employment issues and social affairs. The report also reveals that, while a vast majority of citizens underline the importance of qualifications and regular training in enhancing job security, only 24% of people have actually taken part in some form of training over the last 12 months. The main obstacles cited by respondents are financial restrictions and difficulties in balancing work and family responsibilities.

• 21 Dec 2006
  Norway: Committee proposes new measures to reduce sickness absenteeism

  In November 2006, the high-level committee of social partner representatives set up to discuss and recommend measures to reduce sickness absenteeism in Norwegian working life published its report. The report recommends leaving the national sick pay scheme unchanged and underlines the importance of swift action in situations where employees become sick. It also recommends that re-entry into employment is best facilitated through cooperation between the employer, the employee, the medical profession, as well as public regulatory authorities.

• 19 Dec 2006
  Belgium: Social security benefits to match welfare increases

  In Belgium, 270,000 people receive social security benefit payments, such as retirement pensions or unemployment benefits. At present, these allowances do not represent a sufficient proportion of the average wage in Belgium. On 15 September 2006, trade unions and employer organisations proposed a new division of the allowances in order to link benefits to social welfare payments, and a new legislative bill will soon be introduced to this effect. The conclusion of an agreement on social improvement is a positive outcome just before important negotiations on the inter-professional agreement for 2007–2008 begin.

• 19 Dec 2006
  Bulgaria: Representativeness of branch employer organisations under debate

  Bulgarian legislation does not stipulate clear criteria with regard to defining the national representativeness of branch employer organisations. According to the current legislation, it is enough for a branch organisation to be a member of one of the six nationally representative employer organisations. However, it is often the case that a branch organisation is a member of several employer organisations simultaneously.

• 19 Dec 2006
  Estonia: Unemployment benefit still below ILO standard despite increase

  Although unemployment benefit in Estonia is set to increase to EEK 1,000 (€ 64) per month, the rate will still remain below the requirements set by the International Labour Organisation. Unemployment benefit has remained at the same level in Estonia since 1999, despite the trade union pressure to raise the payments to meet international standards. The government’s stance is that it is more important to place the emphasis on active labour market policies.

• 19 Dec 2006
  Denmark: Low level of membership by young people in unemployment insurance funds

  A new study from September 2006 focuses on young people’s attitudes to the Danish unemployment insurance funds and, in particular, the reasons they state for not becoming members of such a fund. The study reveals wide variations in the attitudes of young people, but it also shows that many of them are not fully informed about the scope of the funds.

• 19 Dec 2006
  Hungary: Trade unions reject stringent EU convergence programme

  In line with the requirements of European Union membership, Hungary must submit convergence programmes to the EU each year which should present how the country envisages meeting the Maastricht criteria. On 1 September 2006, the re-elected government submitted a revised convergence programme reflecting its new strategic plan. It sets out an extensive reform programme, targeting primarily the public sector, and with increases in tax and social contributions, which represent a further burden for the private sector. When preparing the programme, the government announced strict economic measures to redress budget imbalances. While social partners, in general, accepted the need to correct budget imbalances, each side formed a different critical outlook on the package, with the trade unions rejecting it.

• 19 Dec 2006
  Finland: Trade unions target young employees for membership

  Membership of the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) and the Finnish Confederation of Salaried Employees (STTK) has remained relatively stable during the last few years, while the Confederation of Unions for Academic Professionals (AKAVA) has succeeded in increasing its membership levels. This has led to increased competition between the confederations. Competition is toughest between STTK and AKAVA in terms of attracting new members among the higher-educated employee group. Meanwhile, SAK is developing a new system of a single service point for employees on fixed-term employment contracts, which will give easy access to membership for such workers.

• 19 Dec 2006
  Hungary: Government launches support scheme for redundant public sector employees

  The government has introduced a support scheme to help younger public sector employees to find jobs in the private sector; the scheme also eases the situation faced by redundant older employees. This scheme has been introduced in light of the recent modification of legislation on public sector employment, making the dismissal of public sector employees easier and cheaper for employers. Meanwhile, the trade unions have responded to the government measures aimed at eliminating the state budget deficit and reforming the public sector.

• 19 Dec 2006
  Italy: Labour Inspectorate rules to secure job contracts for call centre workers

  The Italian Labour Inspectorate has requested the Atesia call centre company to convert some 3,200 freelance work contracts into traditional employment contracts. A debate has subsequently developed on the current state of employment regulations and the consequences of this decision on the general use of atypical employment contracts.

• 19 Dec 2006
  Luxembourg: Single status for all private sector workers to reduce absenteeism

  In accordance with the conclusions of the Tripartite Coordinating Committee of Luxembourg in April 2006, the social partners have started negotiations to converge the status of blue-collar and white-collar workers in the private sector in order to represent them within a single system. The project aims to reduce the rate of absenteeism in companies and thereby the financial burden on the sickness fund, while also ensuring that the convergence plan does not impact negatively on the economy. The initiative will entail a number of key legal and organisational reforms.

• 19 Dec 2006
  Norway: Merger of public services marks first stage of social welfare reform

  In November 2006, the first Norwegian Labour and Welfare Organisation (NAV) office was officially opened. The opening marks the start of the biggest social welfare reform ever undertaken in Norway. Employees affected by the reform, along with their trade unions, have welcomed the initiative, but insist that success can only be achieved through their participation and consultation.

• 19 Dec 2006
  Poland: Proposed amendments to Polish Labour Code under review

  In September 2006, the Labour Law Codification Committee working on the Polish Labour Code unveiled a new draft of the code. If the changes are implemented as currently proposed, they will amount to a major shifting of relations between employers and employees.

• 18 Dec 2006
  Romania: Protest action by trade union over pace of negotiations

  The nationally representative trade union confederation Cartel Alfa has expressed its dissatisfaction with the slow pace of discussions between trade unions and the government regarding the demands put forward under seven categories, as agreed during the previous meeting held in May 2006. Following protests outside parliament buildings by Cartel Alfa, the government declared its willingness to resume negotiations. However, if the results of discussions proved unsatisfactory, the confederation stated its intention to step up its protest action.

• 18 Dec 2006
  Romania: Protest action by unions in education sector over breach of agreement

  A breach of the agreement signed in the autumn of 2005 by the Romanian government and representative trade unions in the education sector has generated further reaction from trade unions and their members. Teachers boycotted the start of the new school year, a protest meeting was held in Bucharest and picketing was organised at the central government buildings. By October, no consensus had yet been reached despite the fact that one month had elapsed since the beginning of the new school year.

• 18 Dec 2006
  United Kingdom: Surveys highlight growing problem of workplace bullying

  A number of surveys conducted to coincide with Britain’s fourth annual ‘ban bullying at work day’ have drawn attention to the problem of workplace bullying. Among these surveys, a recent study published by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) shows that bullying can take many forms and appears to be on the increase.

• 18 Dec 2006
  United Kingdom: Survey reveals stress to be the biggest problem at work

  Stress is the biggest problem facing UK workplaces, according to a survey by the Trades Union Congress, published in late October 2006. At the same time, the Health and Safety Executive reported that stress at work costs society almost GBP 4 billion (€5.9 billion) a year.

• 18 Dec 2006
  Italy: Increasing use of new work practices in companies

  The largest regional branch of the General Confederation of Italian Industry (Confindustria) has recently published a study on the prevalence and use of new forms of work organisation (NFWO) in the manufacturing industry in the Milan area. The results show a substantial increase in the use of these new practices in recent years, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises. The results also show, however, that the industrial relations actors have only belatedly taken an interest in NFWO.

• 18 Dec 2006
  Italy: End-of-service allowance proves sticking point in 2007 budget talks

  In October 2006, discussions were underway in parliament regarding the 2007 budget, which was due to be approved before the end of 2006. The economic measures envisaged in next year’s budget law include structural measures worth about €33.4 billion, in addition to important new provisions relating to labour and social security.

• 18 Dec 2006
  Lithuania: Employer organisation launches risk assessment service

  The Lithuanian Business Employers’ Confederation is set to establish a professional risk assessment service,which would enable small enterprises to receive cheaper evaluation and consultancy services aimed at combating health-related risks in the workplace.

• 18 Dec 2006
  Malta: Reported increase in union membership called into question

  While trade union membership in most European countries has declined, the Registrar of Trade Unions in Malta has reported an increase in trade union membership each year. Recently, however, the credibility of trade union membership figures in Malta has been called into question, as evidence has emerged of a possible discrepancy between the actual and the declared numbers of trade union members.

• 18 Dec 2006
  Romania: Large-scale trade union merger plan

  At the end of August 2006, an agreement was drawn up to merge four of the five nationally representative trade union confederations in Romania. Other trade union organisations were invited to sign the agreement, including federations not affiliated to any of the five national confederation structures. The new organisation, which is currently at the negotiation stage, would eventually be renamed the General Labour Confederation.

• 18 Dec 2006
  Italy: New Ferrero agreement promotes work–life balance

  In July 2006, a draft proposal was agreed on the renewal of the supplementary agreement for the Ferrero Group, which had expired on 30 June 2006. The deal reached between the company and three trade unions covers the four Ferrero plants in Italy, employing around 6,000 workers, who subsequently had to approve the draft agreement. The most innovative part of the supplementary company agreement concerns measures to facilitate reconciliation between working hours and family responsibilities.

• 18 Dec 2006
  Hungary: Trade union protests against government austerity measures

  In October 2006, sectoral unions affiliated to the Democratic League of Independent Trade Unions (LIGA) staged protests against the government’s austerity measures, which are aimed at eliminating the substantial budget deficit. In the already divided Hungarian trade union scene, the protests have further intensified political divisions among the unions. At the same time, they have increased the pressure on the government to alleviate the stringent economic measures outlined in its convergence programme.

• 18 Dec 2006
  Spain: Unions call for new draft of proposed public teachers statute

  After the Ministry of Education and Culture presented the first draft of the Statute of Non-University Public Teaching Staff, the trade unions participating in the National Sectoral Commission requested a postponement of the bargaining round. The Ministry has now presented a second draft that will cover 500,000 Spanish teachers and is currently being studied by the trade unions. The unions have put forward a series of conditions that must be met if they are to accept this proposal.

• 18 Dec 2006
  Austria: Disagreement over future role of trade union federation

  In the autumn of 2006, the Austrian Trade Union Federation (ÖGB) held a ballot of its members and organised a series of regional member conferences concerning the future orientation and structure of the country’s trade union movement. These generated, however, a very low level of participation from members. Trade unions were divided over whether the future union structure should be characterised by a strong umbrella organisation or greater autonomy of the ÖGB affiliate unions.

• 18 Dec 2006
  Denmark: High stress levels among workers with children

  Almost half of all Danish families with children find their working life stressful, while one in four families think the same about their family life. In particular, parents’ weekly working hours and working schedule have crucial implications for the way Danish families reconcile work and family life, according to a recent study by the Danish National Research Institute and the government’s Family and Working Life Commission.

• 18 Dec 2006
  Hungary: Protest and political crisis mark launch of government’s convergence programme

  In the context of heated political debate over Hungary’s new convergence programme and the strict economic measures introduced by the re-elected socialist–liberal government, a leaked prime ministerial speech on 17 September 2006 proved highly contentious. In the speech, delivered to a closed session of socialist members of parliament in May 2006, the prime minister acknowledged that he had lied about the state of the economy and that he failed to reveal to voters the full scale of the forthcoming austerity package prior to the April general elections. The speech led to unprecedented political tensions in Hungary, accompanied by mass rallies and street violence. In the aftermath, it appears that trade unions and employers are in a stronger bargaining position: in return for ensuring social peace and providing political support for the convergence programme, they may be able to call for compromises from the government.

• 18 Dec 2006
  Hungary: New company act reduces role of board-level employee representatives

  On 1 July 2006, Act IV on Business Associations came into effect in Hungary. The act has brought about several changes concerning the setting up and running of various types of businesses. A unique aspect of the new legislation is its introduction of the option of one-tier corporate governance; the act also introduces changes to employees’ mandatory representation in supervisory boards. The amendments underline the increasing signs of deregulation that are emerging both in the one-tier system and in board-level representation.

• 18 Dec 2006
  Ireland: Pension disputes referred to labour court

  In recent months, companies have been seeking to introduce changes to traditional pension arrangements, highlighted in two high profile cases currently under dispute. The disputes are a challenge to the new provisions for tackling such cases, as contained in Ireland’s latest social partnership agreement: ‘Towards 2016’.

• 18 Dec 2006
  Italy: Protest at planned downsizing of Pirelli plant

  In August 2006, management of the Pirelli group tyre division announced that it had decided to transfer part of its production plant in Figline Valdarno, just outside Florence, to Romania. The company’s management announced its decision without notifying the workers in advance or without consulting the trade unions. For these reasons, the company’s trade union representatives staged a series of strikes aimed at bringing the company to the negotiating table.

• 14 Dec 2006
  Hungary: Social partners evaluate role of mediation and arbitration service

  At an international conference marking the tenth anniversary of the Hungarian Labour Mediation and Arbitration Service (MKDSZ), the social partners voiced their opinions and expectations of the service. It emerged that employers are interested in reducing the costs of labour disputes, while trade unions consider that the future role of the MKDSZ should be to prevent disputes. Both parties also highlighted obstacles to conflict resolution through mediation.

• 12 Dec 2006
  Belgium: Lifelong employability to replace job for life in army

  The concept of a mixed career path has been introduced for army personnel in Belgium, as part of a new military statute agreed upon in September 2006. Based on regular advice and training programmes, the new system will allow military personnel to follow a career path both inside and outside of the army. The new measure aims to increase the attractiveness of the military profession and to rejuvenate the army as a whole.

• 12 Dec 2006
  Belgium: Trade union congress calls for greater solidarity

  The issue of solidarity was one of the main themes of the congress of Belgium’s Confederation of Christian Trade Unions (CSC/ACV), held in October 2006. The congress also prepared for the forthcoming negotiations on an inter-professional agreement for 2007–2008, as well as adopting important positions on certain current social matters.

• 12 Dec 2006
  Bulgaria: Low qualification levels an obstacle to economic competitiveness

  Employer organisations in Bulgaria consider the country’s forthcoming accession to the EU on 1 January 2007 as representing a serious challenge for the labour market. The employers have pointed to the major problems of the labour market, namely: the widening gap between workers’ qualifications and vocational education; the mismatch between workforce demand and supply; a limited level of vocational skills; and a lack of modern vocational competencies.

• 12 Dec 2006
  Germany: New package of agreements for steel industry

  In September 2006, the bargaining parties of the northwestern German steel industry agreed on a new package of collective agreements. Among the provisions of the new agreements are two one-off payments of €500 and €750 and a general pay increase of 3.8%, with effect from 1 January 2007. The parties also agreed on a new collective agreement on ‘demographic change’. The latter agreement obliges employers to review the age profile of their workforce in relation to job qualifications and working conditions; this assessment will then act as the basis for further consultations with the works council on occupational health and safety, working time schedules, further training and other related issues.

• 12 Dec 2006
  Bulgaria: Law grants right to strike in public services

  On 12 October 2006, the National Assembly adopted the Act for Changes and Amendments of the Law on the Settlement of Collective Labour Disputes. The new amendment revokes the restrictive legal provisions limiting the possibilities of industrial action by workers in the energy, communications and healthcare sectors. The new legislative changes have been achieved following persistent demands and protests by the trade unions. The amendments aim to provide a legal framework for the right to strike in the sectors concerned.

• 12 Dec 2006
  Germany: Differences between sectors in collectively agreed Christmas bonuses

  According to an overview published in October 2006 by the Institute of Economic and Social Research of the Hans Böckler Foundation, the collectively agreed Christmas bonus paid to employees towards the end of the year varies considerably between sectors. In a number of sectors, the bonus amount is related to the performance of the individual company. However, many collective agreements may also contain so-called ‘hardship clauses’, which allow Christmas bonuses to be cut. Employees in eastern Germany still receive lower Christmas bonuses than their colleagues in western Germany in a number of sectors; some employees, such as those working in the construction industry, do not receive any bonus at all.

• 12 Dec 2006
  EU Level: Social partners debate ‘flexicurity’ at tripartite summit

  In October 2006, the European social partners met to discuss the important topic of ‘flexicurity’ at an informal tripartite summit in Lahti in Finland. The summit was organised as a result of an invitation by the European Council to debate the issue of flexicurity. One of the key findings to emerge from the conference was how the main actors have different interpretations of what flexicurity means.

• 12 Dec 2006
  EU Level: European Court rulings on working time reinforce right to annual leave and breaks

  In 2006, the European Court of Justice delivered a number of key decisions in relation to the interpretation of Council Directive 93/104/EC on working time. Specifically, the rulings underline workers’ essential right to annual leave, and the obligation on Member States to ensure that workers’ right to benefit from rest breaks is observed.

• 12 Dec 2006
  France: Disputes over funding and pay issues in public and private hospitals

  In the summer of 2006, several French unions representing specialist doctors called for strike action. Subsequently, in mid-September, the Private Hospital Employers’ Association, FHP, called on private clinics to close their doors. These disputes mainly focused on the funding of medical establishments and on the level of remuneration for doctors.

• 11 Dec 2006
  Romania: More work permits to be issued under new regulations

  A new law regulating work permits in Romania has been enforced by government decree. Prior to this, a draft amendment to the law had been drawn up by the government and submitted for public debate. The new amendment aims at harmonising the legislation regulating workers’ access to the labour market in line with the European Economic Area Agreement.

• 11 Dec 2006
  Latvia: Education and science workers granted pay increase

  The new school year in Latvia has brought salary increases for teachers. This was achieved due to the persistence of the Educational and Scientific Workers’ Trade Union. Continuing its defence of the employees’ interests, the trade union has concluded a cooperation agreement with the Latvian Ministry of Education and Science. The union has also started representing employees of scientific institutes, including research and administrative staff.

• 11 Dec 2006
  Luxembourg: Trade unions call for proposed employment bill to be rejected

  The Luxembourg government has forwarded a bill to the Lower House of Parliament for discussion and approval on a series of measures intended to restore balance in the labour market, to control public finances in general, and to guarantee the financing of large sections of environmental policy in order to achieve the targets set out in the Kyoto Protocol. The Luxembourg Confederation of Independent Trade Unions, the Luxembourg Union of Private Employees and the Christian Trade Union Confederation have reacted negatively to measures intended to maintain current employment levels, in particular the centralisation of information on redundancies and a revision of unemployment legislation.

• 11 Dec 2006
  Slovenia: Employment law amendments aim to increase flexibility and combat undeclared work

  In July 2006, the Slovenian government adopted draft amendments to the law on the prevention of undeclared work and employment. Under the amendments, the work of a student without an appropriate referral is considered as undeclared work. Furthermore, undeclared workers are now regarded as having concluded an employment contract for an indefinite period. Conversely, work of a short duration and small jobs are no longer considered to be undeclared work.

• 11 Dec 2006
  Slovenia: Employers scrap collective agreement for textiles industry

  In September 2006, two sectoral employer organisations annulled the collective agreement for the textiles, clothing and leather processing industry. The agreement, which was concluded on 22 December 1997, is based on an old general collective agreement for the private sector and also has other shortcomings.

• 11 Dec 2006
  United Kingdom: CBI survey highlights adverse impact of recent employment legislation

  In September 2006, the Confederation of British Industry published its latest employment trends survey, covering a wide range of industrial relations issues. Employers report that employment regulation introduced over the past five years has had a major adverse impact on them and that they expect this to get worse.

• 11 Dec 2006
  Austria: High incidence of part-time work among women

  In Austria there is a very high rate of women working part time compared to most other EU Member States. Moreover, because part-time work among women is most prevalent in typically low-wage sectors, this further expands the gender-related pay gap. The high uptake of part-time work by women is due primarily to the care obligations that many women face and the lack of full-time jobs appropriate to their needs (many employers offer only part-time jobs for flexibility reasons). However, trade unions and other organised labour groups have called for restrictive measures on this type of business practice.

• 11 Dec 2006
  Belgium: Government before European Court for nun-implementation of information and consultation directive

  The Belgian government has been summoned by the European Commission before the European Court of Justice for not implementing the information and consultation Directive. Continued disagreement between the social partners is the main cause of the delay in the Directive’s implementation.

• 11 Dec 2006
  Belgium: Trade unions reaffirm commitment to social justice

  Union support for social justice was reaffirmed at the Belgian General Confederation of Labour’s regional, sectoral and national congresses held in the spring of 2006. The meetings highlighted themes such as the importance of public services, the promotion of equal opportunities in the labour market, and the defence of the national social security system. Union representatives also expressed the desire to strengthen the trade union movement from a gender and an international perspective. In addition, the theme of sustainability emerged as a justification for forming links with other movements.

• 11 Dec 2006
  Czech Republic: Unions criticise government decision to defer new Labour Code

  The new government of the Czech Republic intends to put before the Chamber of Deputies a proposal to defer entry of the Labour Code into force by one year. The trade unions, which previously threatened to ‘use all means possible’ to prevent any change or annulment of the new Labour Code, consider that this government decision will disrupt the social dialogue. In contrast, employer organisations would welcome a deferral of the Code.

• 11 Dec 2006
  Czech Republic: Increased cooperation within trade unions and employer organisations

  Social partners in the Czech Republic appear to be cooperating more within their own ranks. In the last two years, several trade unions have signed cooperation agreements and a number of employer organisations have done likewise. Employee and employer representatives expect that these agreements will strengthen their respective positions in social dialogue: the parties to the agreements will be able to represent one another, coordinate procedures in collective bargaining and assert their rights in labour relations.

• 11 Dec 2006
  Greece: New agreement at Hellenic Sugar Industry after EU market reform

  Following a round of hard bargaining, a new collective labour agreement has been signed at Hellenic Sugar Industry (EBZ). It is considered to be of particular importance for boosting economic growth in rural areas in Greece and stimulating domestic agricultural production. The reform of the European Common Market Organisation for sugar, announced in November 2005, had a negative impact on the company’s operations, and thus exacerbated tense relations between employees and management.

• 11 Dec 2006
  Greece: Report recommends fostering competitiveness for economic growth

  The findings of the latest Economic and Employment Outlook, published by the Institute of Labour (INE) in September 2006, highlight the necessity of boosting the competitiveness of the Greek economy by stimulating investment, improving industrial relations and increasing productivity.

• 07 Dec 2006
  United Kingdom: Union confederation adopts new policy statement on Europe

  In September 2006, participants at the annual conference of the Trades Union Congress endorsed a policy statement on Europe, which was drawn up by the organisation’s general council. The statement argues for a stronger social dimension to European integration.

• 07 Dec 2006
  EU Level: EU-level initiatives in restructuring processes in automotive sector

  In April 2006, Peugeot announced the closure of its plant at Ryton in the UK. Subsequently, in June 2006, the management at General Motors Europe confirmed its decision to close the Azambuja plant in Portugal. Both the European Works Council and the European Metalworkers’ Federation were involved in the restructuring processes in different ways.

• 07 Dec 2006
  Belgium: Unions criticise planned cuts in training scheme

  In the last 12 years, the number of workers participating in the paid educational leave system has doubled and at present 71,000 workers are involved in the scheme. As the leave fund is no longer sustainable, the Council of Ministers has decided to cut costs related to the scheme. The move, which flies in the face of European, federal and regional plans in this respect, has been strongly criticised by the trade unions.

• 07 Dec 2006
  Ireland: Review calls for more staff cuts and flexible work practices at national electricity company

  The publication of a review of the electricity sector by consultants Deloitte & Touche, along with the launch of a government green paper on energy, has once again put into the spotlight the question of high labour costs and inefficient work practices at the state-owned electricity supply company ESB.

• 07 Dec 2006
  Hungary: Reform in public sector threatens job security

  New legislation passed in July 2006 has aided the government in its attempt to streamline public administration and to reduce the budget deficit. In effect, the amendments will make the dismissal of public service employees easier and cheaper for the employer, while at the same time providing greater support to laid-off employees. Although the trade unions initially criticised the government’s measures, an agreement was eventually reached about the implementation of the reforms in public administration.

• 07 Dec 2006
  Lithuania: Unions oppose employer proposal to increase weekly working hours

  Due to rapid economic growth and significant emigration levels, Lithuania is currently experiencing a shortage of labour supply. In September 2006, the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists approached the government with a proposal to increase the maximum number of working hours from 48 hours to 60 hours per week. The prime minister agreed to consider this recommendation. However, the trade unions are against the initiative and have staged protests in several cities, including planning a mass protest action in Vilnius for 10 November 2006.

• 07 Dec 2006
  Lithuania: Social partners approve draft law on vocational education and training

  In June 2006, the draft law on vocational education and training, which was presented for approval at the Tripartite Council of the Republic of Lithuania (LRTT), was rejected by the social partners. After amendments to the law were made, based on the recommendations of the social partners, the draft was eventually approved at the LRTT in September 2006.

• 07 Dec 2006
  Slovakia: More pay but less protection for economically dependent workers

  Economically dependent workers are not currently regulated by any specific legislation in Slovakia. The category refers to self-employed workers who carry out the same work for a single employer as if they were employees. The provisions of the Labour Code do not apply to these workers, nor do such workers enjoy the social protection granted to full-time employees. However, hiring workers in this way is more advantageous for employers as regards labour costs and also for self-employed people in terms of net income. No statistical data are available on the incidence of such work, nor is the issue included on the agenda of the trade unions. Nevertheless, unions criticise the practice as constituting unfair competition in the labour market in relation to employees. Representatives of self-employed workers are not satisfied with the situation either. Notwithstanding, no changes in the current legislation are envisaged for the time being.

• 07 Dec 2006
  Malta: Open-air market vendors join trade union

  Members of the Association of Valletta Open Market Vendors have unanimously decided to join the Union of United Workers. This decision was made as the market stall vendors felt under threat due to the government’s intention to change their work location.