Tag: Workers'rights

EU Employment Commissioner Vladimir Špídla  yesterday (4 September) welcomed the deal struck between social partners' on a revision of the European Works Council (EWC) Directive after months of deadlock and Commission threats to go it alone if no amicable solution was reached.

The Commission yesterday revealed plans to update the current social agenda and better integrate it into the EU's overall policy framework. The main focus lies in addressing cross-border health care, improving workers' rights and promoting better education systems.

European Court of Justice rulings in the Laval and Viking cases represent a "danger" for social Europe and open the door to "wage dumping" in the EU, leftist members of Parliament said, while business representatives argued the judgements were crucial to preserving freedom of movement and establishment throughout the bloc.

The right of trade unions to take collective action may be limited by employers' right to freedom of establishment, the European Court of Justice has ruled in the landmark Viking case.

Employers and trade union representatives have rubber-stamped an agreement to fight harassment and violence in the workplace in what constitutes the lastest achievement of the 'European Social Dialogue' launched by former Commission President Jacques Delors some 20 years ago.

More needs to be done to achieve a better balance between private and professional life, in particular for women, argues the Commission. Social partners have been asked to comment.

Shortly before the Commission's planned launch of a consultation on the reform of European labour law, employers' association UNICE launched a fierce attack on the document. EurActiv talked to Catelene Passchier, who is in charge of social policy and labour law in her position as confederal secretary of ETUC, the European Trade Union Confederation.

In reaction to a critical letter from the European business lobby, the Commission has delayed the publication of a Green Paper on European Labour law until at least November 2006.

The purchasing power of workers receiving the minimum wage varies 1 to 7.5 throughout the EU-28, according to the most recent Eurostat figures. Seven member states still do not have a minimum wage.

Social Affairs Commissioner Diamantopoulou announces legislative measures to reduce social impact of company lay-offs