Collective Bargaining Policy
In order to improve working and living conditions for the metalworkers in Europe, the EMF has been working towards a European coordinated collective bargaining policy. Thus, the EMF as a federation of European metal workers' trade unions, is part of the process to create a more social Europe where there is room for a "genuine negotiation culture".
Today, the EMF's collective bargaining coordination activities and approved policy papers cover a range of subjects from wages and working time to employment policies, training and social security issues.
The EMF coordination approach is implemented in addition by regional cross-border collective bargaining partnerships, so called collective bargaining partnerships. They have been created all over Europe to let observers participate in the collective bargaining negotiations in neighbouring countries.
All of the EMF affiliates also participate in the Eucob@n Network.
For more infomation, contact Bart Samyn, Deputy General Secretary.
Coordination of Collective Bargaining
The main aims and objectives of the EMF collective bargaining strategy are the improvement of working and living conditions of metalworkers, the coordination of national collective bargaining policies and the development, enhancement and promotion of an active European collective bargaining policy.
Collective Bargaining Presentations
The EMF Executive Committee organised in the December 2006 meeting a debate on the current tendencies in collective bargaining. The emphasis was on the current pressure on collective bargaining rounds as well as structures, but also on the problems related to precarious employment, contract flexibility and flexicurity.
Here you can find an overview of the presentations made as well as an interesting background information paper from our colleagues of CO-Industri in Denmark on the flexicurity issue.
Eucob@n
The Eucob@n Network (European Collective Bargaining Network) is both a tool to improve and enhance the EMF coordination approach as well as a tool to strengthen national collective bargaining across Europe by a structured and permanent information exchange and consultation process.
Cross-border collective bargaining partnerships
In 1998 it was decided to establish cross-border collective bargaining partnerships within the EMF. The first stage of setting up these partnerships is now almost completed.
Regional partnerships have been created all over Europe an the participation of observers and the exchange of data and information have become a daily routine. It should be noted in particular that these partnerships do not only focus on collective bargaining issues alone but increasingly also on concrete issues with regard to company-cross-border support. Reporting in the Collective Bargaining Committee should also devote more attention to these partnerships in the future.
EMF Common demand
First EMF Common demand: The individual right to training guaranteed by collective agreements.
