During 2005 the Belgian government and the social partners discussed the subject of older workers and the exit from work. The government has widened the debate beyond the issue of older workers to include the employment of young people and social security funding. Despite numerous difficulties and a
According to Eurostat, Spain showed the third highest reduction in the unemployment rate in the EU in 2005. The largest trade unions, however, consider that the high rate of temporary employment and an insufficient fall in unemployment, affecting women in particular, were the main problems of the
In October 2004, the Belgian Prime Minister invited the social partners to participate in a 'conference on the end of career', highlighting the increasing attention that is being paid to early retirement and related issues. The issue is also an important one in negotiations over a new national
From January 2005, Belgian Railways (SNCB/NMBS) will split into two subsidiaries, one responsible for transport operations and the other for managing the infrastructure. In the run-up, trade unions are concerned about the job losses and a deterioration of working conditions, while the nomination of
In February 2004, after lengthy negotiations, management and trade unions at Belgian Railways (SNCB/NMBS) concluded draft agreements on the social aspects of the company's modernisation plan and on its future structure. However, the issues of workers' geographical mobility, flexibility and