EU works councils in sight: New decision under pressure from the unions!

EU works councils in sight: New decision under pressure from the unions!

Laimgrubengasse 10, 1060 Wien, Österreich - On December 19, 2024, Evelyn Regner, EU member of the SPÖ and trade unionist reported on the impending uncertainty regarding the regulations for European works councils (EB). The EU Commission already presented new regulations in January 2024 that were created as part of a long-term pressure from social democratic and union side. These regulations are intended to strengthen the co -determination rights of the employees, especially in times of crisis, where strong works councils are necessary for the preservation of jobs and the securing of employee rights. Regner warned of the mighty right -wing factions in the European Parliament that strive for a weakening of this right. "Works council: Inside, the passion for workers: interior rights - it is all the more important to strengthen them in crises," she said. A one-time coordination in the plenum is due after the employment committee has already given its consent, such as ots.at reported.

relevance of European works councils

The guideline on European works councils gives employees a company the right to be informed about economic progress and decisive developments, which is important for their employment conditions. This regulation concerns companies with at least 1,000 employees within the EU and the European Economic Area if at least 150 employees are employed in two Member States. The process for the formation of an EBR is initiated either by 100 employees from various member states or by the employer, as well as Employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu reported. In the new revision, important innovations are planned to ensure that companies comply with their obligation to provide information and hearing the employees and are sanctioned in the event of violations.

It is crucial that the new regulations are not used as a means of pressure against the employees, especially not in times of economic uncertainty and potential factory closures. Regner emphasized that a balanced gender distribution in the works councils and improved information provision are of the utmost importance to protect and strengthen the rights of employees. "The revision is part of the solution to the challenges in front of which the employees are facing today," continued Regner. The upcoming coordination in the plenum will therefore be crucial for how these rights will be implemented and developed in the future.