ETUC welcomes Council decision to strengthen European Works Councils

Brussels, 27/04/2009

Commenting on the Council’s decision, ETUC Deputy General Secretary Reiner Hoffmann stated: ‘Enabling EWC to fully play their role in these times of crisis marked by rising redundancies is the correct response. Workers need effective information and consultation rights which give them an opportunity to have their word to say when it comes to anticipating and managing structural changes in a socially acceptable and sustainable direction. In addition to a better recognition of trade unions, ETUC welcomes in particular the improved definition of information and consultation rights in a transnational context, thus strengthening genuine transnational dialogue between workers and management.’