Federations call for works councils changes

European industry federations, which bring together unions in different sectors, are organising a day of action on European works councils (EWCs) on 31 October. The aim is to bring pressure to bear to get improvements to the EWC directive as part of the review of its operation.

The unions want amendments which among other things would prevent employers taking key decisions unless employees had been properly consulted; would give European works council members a legal right to be trained; and increase the number of companies covered by cutting the employment threshold from 1,000 to 500.

Employers argue that it is too soon to make any changes and so far the European Commission appears to be in agreement. The industry federations plan a demonstration in Brussels in front of the headquarters of both the European employers' association UNICE and the Commission. They are also presenting a series of petitions signed by European works council members across Europe.