The European Works Council (EWC)

Employee participation at European level
‘There is nothing you can do about it; that decision was taken at a higher level.’
Are you, as a Works Council member, familiar with statements like this made by management? Multinationals make important decisions, but they rarely do so at a local or national level. The European Works Council (EWC) offers you, as an employee representative, the possibility of getting round the table with the policy makers.

Everything for your EWC

There have been European Works Councils for over 10 years, and throughout this time, the EWC Service of FNV Formaat has been actively involved in shaping – and helping to promote – employee participation on a European level, and in supporting the EWC’s influence.
The EWC Service are the people to talk to when it comes to:
Giving guidance to the SNB
Giving guidance to the EWC
The EWC platform
Training and Instruction
EWC News

Guiding the SNB (Special Negotiation Body)
Before an EWC can start, employees and employers must first reach an agreement. The negotiation process is not simple: there will be employees with different backgrounds and expectations at the table, who must then try to reach an understanding with management. The EWC Service of FNV Formaat can offer support at this point in the process. We have already brought about numerous agreements and we know, like no other party does, just what you – as an employee representative – should pay attention to. So that all the participants in the SNB can start at the same level, we will first offer an introductory course. After this, we will assist the SNB in any further negotiation procedures.

Guiding the EWC
The agreement has been reached, so the European Works Council can now get down to business. Here, you can also benefit from our experience with numerous European Works Councils and their ’best practices’. For example, you can ask us to offer guidance to your EWC and the Select Committee at internal meetings and in consultations with management. Support is available across a wide variety of subjects, ranging from writing letters and recommendations, to sifting through European legislation, preparing for meetings and determining a strategy.
As well as receiving guidance throughout the meeting, our clients also appreciate being able to put their questions to us by telephone or by e-mail at any time during the working day.

EWC Platform: exchanging experiences with other EWC Members
As a Dutch representative on the European Works Council, you may feel like a loner sometimes, particularly when you are the only representative from your country. Your Works Council colleagues often have a hard time imagining the issues you have to deal with on the EWC. This is why FNV Formaat organises an EWC platform three times a year. Based on a concrete theme, you can exchange experiences with EWC members from other companies and – in doing so – come up with new ideas. Already over 100 Dutch EWC representatives frequently visit the EWC platform.

Training and Instruction
At a meeting with management, an EWC member is arguing fervently and at great length, while you are wondering what it is actually all about. Or conversely, there is absolute radio silence within the EWC between meetings. Have you encountered these, or other, specific problems? Then you can call in the EWC service of FNV Formaat for a tailor made training course. You can choose whether you want to attend with the entire EWC, one committee or the Select Committee.
These training courses are usually in English. However, they can also be offered in Dutch, Spanish or German. If you have a large EWC, then several trainers can be engaged. The EWC Service can avail itself of a European network for this purpose.

Who pays the costs of the training and advice?
According to Article 4 of the European Works Councils Act, both Dutch SNB and Dutch EWC members are entitled to training and advice. Your company, therefore, will pay the costs of any training and support.

EWC News
To keep you up to date with all the latest EWC news and recent developments regarding European Works Councils and European legislation, the EWC Service of FNV Formaat publishes the EWC News three times a year. If you subscribe, this digital magazine will be sent to you by e-mail free of charge. 

Interested? Then don’t hesitate to contact us.