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04 April 2008, Brussels) The EPSU European Works Council Coordinators discussed the Revision of the EWC Directive and the ETUC response to the 2nd phase of consultation. Romuald Jagodzinski of the European Trade Union Institute introduced the Commission consultation document and the ETUC reflections. These relate to a strengthening of the information and consultation rights, training for EWC members, strengthened resources, role for the European Federations, legal personality and the possibility for the EWC to take the employer to Court. EPSU approves the ETUC position. The coordinators remain concerned that BusinessEurope will only negotiate in bad faith to delay revision as it has been so solidly opposed to a revision despite the fact that the suggestions of the Commission are based on the practical experience of many companies and their experience. The position of BusinessEurope can hence only be interpreted as defending the practices of the worst employers.
Romuald also presented a number of cases before national courts and the European Court of Justice. An issue of concern is that not all EWCs can take the company to Court and do not have the means to do so. To support EWCs in which EPSU is involved to bring cases to court EPSU has established a legal fund. The rules to use that fund were discussed and recommended to the EPSU standing committee (which approved them and recommends them to the EPSU Executive Committee for approval)
The EPSU Deputy General Secretary presented a possible procedure to follow with regard to transnational agreements. Central points include the role of the trade unions, a recognition of the role of an EWC, the importance of national approval and strong non-regression clauses. Information, consultation, decisions on and approval of agreements were debated in detail. The procedure will come back at the next meeting of the EWC.
Further discussion took place on current issues on the agenda of EWCs such as restructuring and outsourcing. More discussion will be needed also on how to position EPSU vis-à-vis the Private Equity Firms and Joint Ventures.
The Coordinators paid tribute to Claude Pommery from CGT-FNME for the work he has done to stimulate the discussions as chair. He has taken on other responsibilities in the trade union, dealing with coordination of collective bargaining among others.
The meeting took place 2 April 2008, Luxembourg. The next meeting will be 20 October 2008, Brussels
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