EWC Newsletter 2009 Nr.2

The added value of the European Works Council in times of crisis

As a result of the crisis, companies are cutting costs, often also those of the European Works Council. But it is precisely in times of crisis that the added value of European employee participation that functions well can become apparent. Read on …

European Works Council in times of crisis – what can you do?

As a result of the crisis, European Works Councils are currently being confronted with management plans that are often drastic. A few tips.Read on...

Minutes of the European Works Council platform: The crisis, reorganisations and the role of the European Works Council

On 17 March 2009 a European Works Council platform meeting was held about the consequences of the crisis for companies and the role of the European Works Council in this. Read on…

Initiative for a European Social Pact

The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) wants to enter into a social pact at European level. This 'New Social Deal' is a sustainable social reply to the economic crisis. As a result of the crisis there will be over 26 million unemployed people in the European member states next year. Until today, the European Union has lacked the power to find solutions. The ETUC is now taking the initiative and is working towards a joint approach to unemployment to prevent this major drama. Read on…

The European Works Council and Dutch employee participation

FNV Formaat was commissioned by the Dutch Ministry for Social Affairs and Employment to carry out research into the functioning of the European Works Councils in Dutch multinationals. The most important results. Read on …

Report of the European Works Council survey discussion afternoon

 The effectiveness of European Works Councils varies from one company to the next and depends partly on informal relations. However for the Dutch government this is no reason to value the regulations less. Without formal powers, there is no informal influence. And that is the message that a representative of the Dutch Ministry for Social Affairs and Employment was given at a discussion afternoon about the survey carried out by the European Works Council Service was commissioned to carry out by the Ministry. Read on …

New directive not complete without hefty sanctions

After adopting a new European employee participation directive, the member states have to incorporate it in their own legislation. Jan Cremers, who as an MEP played an important role in a number of improvements, thinks it is very important to set hefty sanctions on non-compliance. Read on …

TNT updates and improves its European Works Council agreement

TNT’s European Works Council agreement was recently amended. ‘To the benefit of the employee representatives,’ says former European Works Council chairman Frans Mensink. Read on …

New series of courses called: ‘In the European Works Council’

In September 2009 the new series of courses called ‘In the European Works Council’ will start. The courses of the series are interesting for both new and experienced members of European Works Council members. Read on …