Collective Bargaining

There will be no action taken before 10 February following a strike notice filed with air traffic controller Skeyes over new contracts with the Belgian Defence Department. Union ACV-Transcom had announced a strike against collaboration with the Belgian Defence Department. Later the same week a conciliation meeting was held in a constructive atmosphere. A further meeting will take place on 10 February. In the meantime, all actions and intentions to take action have been suspended.

Read on: in English ...

According to Croatian affiliates of EPSU, the European Public Service Union, workers need higher wages. The wages are too low to stem the wave of emigration. Many sectors such as health and care face staff shortages. The statutory minimum wage should be raised to 60% of the median wage. Moreover, the government should foster a better climate for collective bargaining.

Read on: in English ...

After several months of negotiations, a new collective agreement for the technology industry was accepted. Wages will rise by 3.3%. The agreement is valid for 25 months. The agreement covers some 100,000 workers in the technology sector, such as metal, mining, automotive, shipyards, etc. Industrial action was necessary to reach the agreement.

Read on: in English ... Read on: in English (2) …

Unions promise months more of strike action

January 24,2020

Some of France’s unions threatened industrial action for months to come, in order to force the President to withdraw the biggest reform of the pension system since the Second World War. Union leaders themselves acknowledge it is a now-or-never moment before the draft law heads to parliament.

Read on: in English ...

The national minimum hourly rate will become €10.10 on 1 February 2020 according to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. For workers under the age of 20, lower rates apply.

Read on: in English ...

The bank accounts of multiple transit companies have been blocked because of US sanctions against Aivars Lembergs. Trade unions associated with the transit industry have requested Latvia’s highest-ranking officials to resolve the situation, promising to organise massive protests if the government does not act.

Read on: in English ... Read on: in English (2) …

In 2019, 216,256 jobless people found employment through job centres. Since the beginning of 2019, 24,412 youths under 29 have found employment, as well as 24,398 long-term unemployed people, 43,975 who were jobless and over 55, 13,954 disabled people and 58,782 unskilled job applicants.

Read on: in English ...

Opel is to cut thousands of jobs as strict European CO2 rules start to take effect. The carmaker has highlighted the emissions targets as a reason for cutting up to 4,100 jobs, a move that it says will secure other forms of employment and further increase its competitiveness.

Read on: in English ... Read on: in German …

The European Commission has published a consultation paper on “possible action addressing the challenges related to fair minimum wages”. In the long history of the debate about a European minimum wage policy, this initiative represents a watershed moment because it is the first time the Commission has considered taking legislative action to ensure fair minimum wages in Europe. The Commission’s initiative is based on the belief that “adequate wages are key for ensuring fair working conditions and decent living standards for European workers” and that minimum wages, either set through collective agreements or legal provisions, help to protect low-wage workers and prevent in-work poverty.

Read on: in English ...

A group of activists from trade union FNV held a “New Year’s reception” in front of Lidl's headquarters in Huizen to demand a better collective agreement. The group handed over a petition signed by 500 employees. Lidl workers have been fighting for an agreement that decreases work pressure and provides a decent pay rise and better working conditions.

Read on: in English ...

The European Commission released a Communication on building a strong social Europe to enable just transitions. It sets out how social policy will help meet challenges, proposes action at EU level, and seeks feedback on further action at all levels in the area of employment and social rights.

Read on: in English ...