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The Suez EWC discussed the merger with Gas de France. It concluded that before expressing itself for or against the merger guarantees were needed with regard to employment, information and consultation rights, the future of Suez Environment in a possible new company and the investment programme for all parts of the company including waste, water and energy services. The EWC supported the approach of the Bureau of the EWC that negotiations should be started to ensure that the Suez’ workers obtain an improved social situation. EWC members agreed pressure will be needed to realise the objectives of the negotiations and that forms of industrial action will be needed.
A delegation of the EWC, representing 157.000 workers worldwide of which 128.000 in Europe, will also meet with the European Commission DG Competition, 30 June. It will underline the concerns of the EWC regarding:
* Weakness of the information and consultation rights and the need to strengthen the European Works Council Directive, ensuring that the right to be consultation before decisions are made in firmly established.
* The importance to maintain the social acquis of the company, and that this can be developed.
* The coherence of the company to be maintained. The EWC does express itself against (hostile or not) take-overs that aim to dismantle the company;
* The EWC demands that the European Commission informs and consults not only the employers but also the workers’side in case of cessations demanded from the companies. The cessations should not weaken the company and endanger its long term viability.
* The commitments of the companies to employment, pay and conditions
* A “just” price for energy (Electricity and gas) to ensure citizens will not be left to the vagaries of the free market. The price needs to reflect investment, maintenance, social conditions and be advantageous for citizens.
* The need for a dynamic investment policy. The EWC notes that the market alone is not capable of ensuring the investment needed with the risk that the energy sector operates under-capacity
* Nuclear safety - demanding the sell of part of the nuclear installations will compromise the safety of the installations by making the control more difficult. The funds available for the decommissioning of the nuclear power stations should be protected so they are available at the moment they are needed.
Annual accounts show positive result and hidden dangers
The financial expert of the EWC presented an overview of the financial accounts of the company, the development of the different businesses and the employment situation. The financial situation of the company appears to be positive. It generates much profits. Its investment policy good be better and should be geared not towards take-overs but towards expanding activities and hence creating real employment.
Management does not move on equality and EWC plans action
The working group of the EWC on equality reported back and presented a press release for diffusion on the lack of progress after 15 months of discussion. This is really a result the company should be concerned about. Members agreed that if no further progress is made in the next negotiations action will have to be undertaken
For more information on the work of the Equality and Diversity Group of the EWC of Suez, please read the attached briefing.
The plenary meeting of the European Works Council of Suez met 21 June 2006, Paris. The EPSU Deputy General Secretary participated.
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