France: the Versailles Court of Appeal confirmed a narrow interpretation of transnationality for issues submitted to EWCs to consider

On May 21, the Versailles Court of Appeal disallowed Veolia Transdev’s EWC demand to suspend Transdev France’s decision to recover funds credited to SNCM, halting payments due to an absence of consultation with the EWC. At issue is an interpretation of the clause in EWC agreements that recognize these bodies as competent to be informed of these issues, which regardless of the number of countries affected are liable to impact a significant portion of the European workforce. This decision confirms that given by the district court (TGI) of Nanterre in November 2014, and   throws out the request on grounds that the impact on employees was too hypothetical to warrant consultation with the EWC.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

To back up its demand to suspend a decision to recover some €103 millio until the European division of Veolia Transdev’s EWC beconsulted, the EWC put forward the argument that “decisions over SNCM were in reality more to do with the global industrial strategy presented in March 2013, that affects the highest echelons in the company and which assumes the disposal of capital intensive or weak growth assets.”


However the Appeals Court relies on the principle that issues which require prior consulta

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
Germany: government seeks to facilitate immigration of skilled Indian workers
During a visit to India earlier this week, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed the strategic importance of attracting Indian workers to Germany, signing a series of cooperation agreements...
Italy: new generational renewal agreement penned at UniCredit
The agreement signed on 30 December by UniCredit, Italy’s second-largest banking group, with the Fabi, First-Cisl, Fisac-Cgil, Uilca and Unisin trade unions aims to continue generational...
TRENDS IN 2026 — Reducing workplace absence at all costs: a major challenge for Europe
Workplace absence is on the rise across Europe, particularly among women, older employees and, since the Covid-19 pandemic, young people under the age of 30. Faced with this growing problem, some...
14 January 2026
Italy: banking group Intesa Sanpaolo sharpens focus on quality of life at work
Over the Christmas period Intesa Sanpaolo, Italy's largest bank, penned with trade unions a deal to renew the first part of the company agreement, covering work-life balance, inclusion, parenthood...
14 January 2026
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
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...
2
Germany: government seeks to facilitate immigration of skilled Indian workers
During a visit to India earlier this week, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed the strategic importance of attracting Indian workers to Germany, signing a series of cooperation agreements...