EUROENTERPRISE 2000
European Enterprise in the 2000´s
The Role of Peripheral Countries in European Works Councils

PREFACE
1. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
2. METHODOLOGY
2.1. Research
2.2. Round tables
3. PRESENTATION OF THE RESULTS
3.1. Introduction
3.2. Presentation of Companies
3.3. Planning of meetings of the 
European Works Councils
3.3.1. Frequency
3.3.2. Invitations
3.3.3. Preliminary meeting
3.3.4. Participants
3.3.5. Duration
3.4. The most common subjects of  the agenda of a European Works Councils meeting
3.4.1. Economics-Finance
3.4.2. Production and sales
3.4.3. Investments - New working methods or production operations
3.4.4. Organisation structure – Training
3.4.5. Mergers and acquisition of companies
3.4.6. Employment and social issues - Redundancy of employment
3.4.7. Health and safety issues - Environment
3.5. Participation of experts
3.6. Minutes of the meeting
3.6.1. Compilation of minutes
3.6.2. Translation of the minutes
3.7. Operating expenses
3.8. Co-operation between 
representatives
3.8.1. Participation in meetings
3.8.2. Communication during the meeting
3.8.3. Communication means
3.8.4. Relationships between representatives
3.9. General issues
3.9.1. Dialogue between Management and workers’ representatives
3.9.2. Interventions
3.9.3. Effect in the Management plans after the meeting of European Works Council
3.9.4. Benefits from the participation in a European Works Council
3.9.5. Future opportunities
4. CONCLUSIONS
5. REFERENCES

PREFACE

 

Dear Colleagues,

The European Enterprise as well as the multinational companies are or will be in the near future a reality that the workers’ movement will have to deal with, so it must learn how to do it well.

The present study was conducted within the context of the project ‘’Euro Enterprises 2000’’, during June – November 2000. ‘’Euro Enterprises 2000’’ is co-funded by the European Commission and more specifically by DG of Employment and Social affairs.

The project was implemented by the Federation of Industrial Workers Unions (ÏÂÅS). The members of this Federation are industrial and company based trade unions, from different sectors of activity, and the members of these unions are both production workers and employees.

The aim of the project was the recording of the subjects that actually occupy European Works Councils as well as the analysis of the role of representatives coming from peripheral countries in European Works Councils. The final objective of the project was to better inform and sensitise the workers so that they are able to actively participate in the European structures of workers representation.

We wish that with the present study we have added a small contribution to build together the common future of working people in Europe.

A. Hatzisavvidis

President OBES