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Norwegian company Statkraft and the European trade union federation EPSU have agreed
the establishment of a European Works Council (EWC) which will bring together
representatives of the workforce from the different European countries in which Statkraft is
active.
Jan Willem Goudriaan, EPSU Deputy General Secretary says: “Europe’s energy landscape
is undergoing profound change on a path to sustainable electricity production. European
Works Councils will assist workers and companies to understand the implications for jobs
and skills. We welcome that Statkraft, a leading green producer, is integrating its social and
industrial policy in a way that can set an example for Europe’s energy policy.”
Christian Rynning-Tønnesen CEO of Statkraft says: “The EWC is a natural consequence of
our vision and strategy. Statkraft has a leading European position in renewable energy based
on competence, innovative thinking and responsibility. A positive and responsible attitude
towards our employees and the union representatives is a part of this. We are convinced that
together with our workforce we can develop Statkraft as a flexible power producer in Europe
and a green energy provider worldwide.”
Morten Sando, Corporate Head of Employee Relations in Statkraft says: “The EWC is an
extension of our good social relations in Norway and complements our European industrial
policy. Together with the EWC we will work to improve the skills, knowledge and working
conditions of our workforce and be an employer of reference. Further developing and
implementing our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy will be a key task of the
EWC.”
Vidar Hennum, Vice-president of Norwegian union EL & IT and EPSU representative for
Statkraft says: “The workers will now have the opportunity to discuss Statkraft’s industrial
and social policy together, and with central management. This will contribute to a better
understanding of the challenges facing Statkraft, and improve social dialogue in the
company.”
Statkraft’s EWC agreement recognizes the new and revised directive of June 2009 as its
basis. That directive has defined the information and consultation rights of workers in
multinational companies. The agreement also underlines that Statkraft will respect the
relevant standards of the ILO. An innovative element of the agreement is the stress placed
on considering the CSR policies of Statkraft.
The CEO of Statkraft will co-chair the meetings of the EWC which will bring together 12
representatives from four countries. The EWC will meet two times per year. The Steering
Committee will be composed of four persons who will manage the work in between meetings
and also consider the possible training of EWC members. A representative of EPSU will be
part of the EWC. The agreement is flexible and allows for other representatives to be
integrated when Statkraft expands. The agreement can also be renegotiated if necessary.
The European Directive will be transposed in Norwegian legislation and this will provide a
first moment of evaluation.
Statkraft is Europe's largest renewable energy company. The group develops and generates
hydropower, wind power, gas power, solar power and district heating, and is a major player
on the European power exchanges. Statkraft also develops marine energy, osmotic power
and other innovative energy solutions. In 2009 Statkraft posted gross operating revenues of EUR 2.9 billion. The group employs 3,400 staff in more than 20 countries. Statkraft has its
headquarters in Oslo, Norway. http://www.statkraft.com/about-statkraft/
EPSU is the European Federation of Public Service Trade Unions. It represents workers in
public services. In the energy sector the Federation represents workers in public and private
companies using all fuels, in distribution, transmission and retail. EPSU works together with
PSI, Public Services International, the global federation, representing workers in the same
areas worldwide. www.epsu.org/r/34
For more information
Contact for Statkraft: Morten Sando: +47 91703102
Contact for EL & IT, EPSU: Vidar Hennum +47 90855828
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