News

Belgium: new joint commissions in the non-commercial sector
In Belgium, the gravity center of social dialogue in the private sector - especially for wage negotiations - is located in the joint commissions (CP) instituted in each branches. Until now...
Indesit : follow up meeting for the application of the international framework agreement on the workers’ fundamental rights
The home appliances group's management, the delegation for the international federation of metalworkers (IFM), as well as union representatives for workers from Britain (Amicus), Italy (metallurgy...
Poland : towards a new early retirement system
Poland is preparing a deep reform for its early retirement system. Currently, 1,250,000 Polish employees are entitled to it, because they performed jobs regarded as "painful". A bill aiming at...
EU: a form was published as part of the new legislation on truck drivers’ working time
The form planned by the 2006/22 directive (see our story n°06352), which had to be filled in by the driver who was either on a sick leave or on sabbatical, was published in the OJEU. (Ref. 070340)
Renault: the automotive group is giving an answer to the consultation concerning the green paper on the modernization of labour law
In a document addressed to the European Commission on March 28, 2007, the automobile group Renault is making its contribution to the debate on the future of labour law (see our story n°061175). It...
Germany: the energy producer Eon wants to impose an increase in working time with no wage compensation for 33,000 employees
Muffled but tough negotiations started between Eon and Verdi, the services union. The company's management wants to increase working time with no wage compensation, and also decrease employment...
EU: survey of impact on employment in certain sectors of CO2 reduction policies
Electricity production: employment erosion and emergence of new jobs  
EU: the Commission ruled that it is useless to amend legislation on working time for offshore staff
In a report published on the website of the DG employment and social Affairs, the European Commission ruled that it is not necessary to change the provisions from the November 4, 2003 2003/88...
Germany: the minister of economy wants to open the labour market to East European workers before 2011
Flexibility for non-EU labour. At present workers from East European member states can work in Germany only on a temporary basis. Officially this situation will end in 2009 at the earliest and by...
CEZ : first European works council agreement signed under the Czech law
The first agreement to establish a European works council under the Czech law system was signed within the Czech energy production and supply company CEZ (25,000 employees.) composed of 23 members...
Austria : toward anticipatory opening of the labour market to East European workers in view of skilled labour shortage
Officially, Austria has blocked access to its labour market to workers from new EU member states until 2009. The only exception is that Uwe Bartenstein, minister of economy and employment, will...
Netherlands: employers’ responsibility for working conditions of the employees working from home
A court of appeal in Amsterdam judged, on April 11, 2007, that it devolves upon the employer to check their employees’ working conditions when they work from home. This verdict comes in whereas...
Staedtler: signing of an international framework agreement
Subcontracting. All such provisions must also be respected by suppliers and subcontractors. The group undertakes to collaborate only with parties accepting the agreement and applying the...
EU : ETF asks the European Commission to issue a Memorandum of understanding about the enforcement of the new regulation for professional drivers
The European Transport Federation (ETF) expresses its deep concern the entry into force of the new Regulation on driving and rest time for professional drivers (561/2006), running as from...
Netherlands : the 36-hour workweek about to disappear
e-europnews April 12, 2007, n°070328- www.eeuropnews.com
RWE Energy: European agreement on management of restructuring operations
Minimize negative consequences. The objective is to accompany employees when restructuring becomes necessary to sustain the competitiveness of the company and to “minimize the possible negative...
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
Pascale Rauline (Axa EWC): “European charter formalises ongoing and accelerated social dialogue on AI”
On 27 November, Axa and its European works council (EWC) signed a charter setting out principles governing the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and guaranteeing social dialogue on the...
2
Germany: crisis-hit industries cast shadow over 2026 bargaining cycle
In 2026, collective wage agreements for nearly 10 million employees in Germany are set to expire. With upcoming negotiations in crisis-hit 'pilot' sectors such as chemicals and metalworking, the...
2 December 2025
3
Bulgaria: government approves bill to encourage sector-level collective bargaining
On 26 November, the Bulgarian government approved amendments to the labour code designed to reinforce the legal framework for sector-level collective bargaining. The reform aims to stimulate...
2 December 2025
4
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
5
Germany: Erwin Hymer Group’s innovative and award-winning AI agreement
Fed up with negotiating separate agreements for each new artificial intelligence (AI) tool, the social partners at Erwin Hymer Group (8,900 employees) have instead secured a broad, overarching...
12 December 2025
6
Italy: new collective agreement for mechanical engineering and metalworking sectors focuses on defending purchasing power
The deal struck on 22 November between Italy’s social partners in the mechanical engineering and metalworking sector brings an end to a long and contentious bargaining process. The agreement –...
25 November 2025