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Following the signing of the agreement in October 2005 the first meeting of the EWC took place 21 September 2006. Trade union representatives met 20 September to prepare. Work programme, communication and what can be expected of the Bureau were discussed. The EWC elected its Bureau and the Secretary of the EWC, colleague David Bimboire (France). He stressed the importance of the social dialogue, information and consultation and that the EWC is to work to improve working conditions. Communication was recognised to be one of the most important issues.
The EWC met with representatives of management the next day. Presentations were provided on the general financial situation, the social development (including indicators such as on health and safety, overtime, fixed time contracts, men and women), and the human resource policy in the water division. The situation of the national committees was also considered.
The EWC held its debriefing and considered the issues raised with management in the meeting, 22 September. The EPSU Deputy General participated in the meeting.
Some general data
The 28 representatives met for the first time 20-22 September at the training centre of Veolia (north of Paris). The 28 representatives are all members of a trade union and represent a total of more then 195.000 workers in Europe. The company employs 271.000 workers worldwide. These workers are active in energy, water, waste and transport. 17 languages were translated.
Almost 14300 workers representatives are said to be active in the company. More then 900 agreements were signed with the unions, over half being on wage issues. Worldwide there are 1340 agreements signed.
The EWC agreement foresees the establishment of national structures which bring together representatives of the different branches in the same company. These are gradually being established.
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