EU: negotiations deadlock on harassment and violence at work could end

Begun in February 2006, the negotiations on harassment and violence at work started between European employers (Unice and CEEP) and the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) stumbled on the question of violence committed on employees by people from outside the company. This blocking could end. The compromise worked out for that recognizes that third people can commit violence but provides for the application of some provisions of the agreement only when this is appropriate. (Ref. 070064)
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

For the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), it was out of question to not include in the field of the negotiation the acts violence or harassment made by people from outside the company, one of its objectives since the beginning of the negotiations. On the employers’ side (Unice), the negotiators did not have the mandate to deal with this question, but some employers’ federations were favorable to it, so they finally widened the negotiation in exchange for a flexible wording : certain pr

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Spain: new terms and conditions for in-company training contracts
On 25 November, Spain's Council of Ministers approved a regulation on training contracts. This text defines the terms and conditions for hosting work-study students and interns doing professional...
2
EU: Commission issues first recommendation on human capital as part of European Semester
In parallel with the European Semester adopted on 25 November, which proposes guidelines to member states on economic policies for the coming year, the European Commission has adopted an...
3
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
4
Germany: apprenticeship openings fall sharply in manufacturing and chemicals
From 1 January 2026, Dutch collective agreements for temporary employment agencies will alter the employment conditions of temp workers. Agencies will be required to pay these workers at least the...