In November 2009, the European social partners for the gas industry presented a joint study on the challenges of demographic change and competencies in the sector. Both employers and trade unions are concerned about the ageing profile of the workforce, with many workers retiring in the next five to 10 years. The study highlights the jobs that will be affected, such as meter readers, engineers, plant operators, and workers in customer services, distribution and exploration.
Challenges for European energy policy
In the European gas industry, Eurogas, the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) and the European Mine, Chemical and Energy Workers’ Federation (EMCEF) have started a discussion on the impact of the ageing profile of the workforce, with many workers retiring in the next five to 10 years in the industry. On 4 November 2009, the European social partners organised a joint conference on the challenge of demographic change and competencies in the European gas industry.
In the opinion of the social partners, demographic change poses particular challenges to ensuring the level of competencies and skills required to maintain a high quality service, to develop the gas infrastructure, to ensure security of supply and to respond to technological developments and climate change. Employers and trade unions agree that natural gas should be able to fully play its role as a highly efficient and clean energy source in the future low carbon economy.
Study findings
Given the interest across European governments and within the European Commission in continual improvements in energy efficiency, it is possible to predict that – despite an increase in its share of the overall total energy market – the gas industry will see its usage decline among its residential and commercial customers over the coming decades. According to the joint study presented by the social partner organisations, occupations that are fundamental to the generation of power will require a greater number of workers in the coming years. As a result, there will be an increase in the demand for engineers and other power plant occupations in the future. In addition, the amount of investment required by the gas industry over the coming years is €210 billion – this will be needed in all sections of the gas supply chain, including exploration and development, transmission systems, distribution and storage.
The study also presents the results of a joint survey. The responses clearly indicate that employers and trade unions must set aside time and resources to properly study the effects of the sector’s ageing workforce and adequately address the problem. Indeed, the survey responses reveal a lack of discussion and bargaining on demographic change and competencies. The study highlights the specific jobs that will be affected, such as meter readers, engineers, plant operators, and workers in customer services, distribution and exploration.
Joint toolkit
The study is accompanied by a toolkit, which seeks to raise awareness of the impact of demographic change on skills and competencies in the gas industry. It identifies the challenges facing gas companies and how they can be resolved. The toolkit also demonstrates how companies can benefit from the skills and motivations of different age groups in the workforce, and seeks to provide guidelines, information and good practice approaches for key stakeholders. Several case studies exemplify joint company and trade union approaches, including in the sector’s main companies.
Views of social partners
The President of the Social Dialogue Committee for the European Gas Sector, Peter Gentges –representing Eurogas – stated in his conclusions:
‘We urge the European Commission to take account of the demographic change and competency developments in the European gas sector and seek a common approach with the European social partners to promote jobs and a high-skilled workforce.’
Vice-president of EPSU, Didier Baur, added:
‘Without a focus on the workforce of tomorrow, the risk is high that the sector cannot deliver on maintaining high service quality and security of supply. It might then also not be able to play its role in the transition to a low or zero carbon economy.’
Vice-president of Eurogas, Martina Ifflaender, stated:
‘The study and toolkit underline the importance of investment in the workforce of the sector. The many cases presented underline how the social partners are contributing to the development of skills and we will encourage use of the toolkit.’
Secretary General of EMCEF, Reinhard Reibsch, continued:
‘It is vital for the companies and the trade unions to use the study and the toolkit in the companies and national sector bodies and to consider what further steps are needed. We need an active approach now.’
Volker Telljohann, IRES Emilia-Romagna, Bologna