“Against the background of the massive restructuring programmes of big multinational companies the urgent need for improved rights for trade unions and workers representatives is more than obvious,” stated Peter Scherrer, the General Secretary of the EMF.

The EMF intends, together with the ETUC, to increase political lobbying for the strengthening of trade union and workers’ information, consultation and participation rights. It has become clear that a revision of the EWC directive is urgently needed and that this revision has to reflect the current situation of fundamental change in European industries. It is only through extended rights for EWCs and trade unions that this change can be managed in such a way as to secure the basis for competitive companies and sustainable employment.

The important role played by European Works Councils (EWCs) in defending the interests of workers at European level was very much underlined during the conference. This very week the EWCs of the automobile companies Ford and General Motors Europe celebrated their 10th anniversary. The history of these EWCs has shown that solid and tangible solidarity among workers all over Europe is possible and that the trade unions do stand together when workers’ interests are at risk. ”The current situation in the European Volkswagen plants again underlines that the only way to ensure that the interests of all workers are protected is via united action by workers from all over Europe,” said Peter Scherrer.
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PRESS 32/2006

The EMF is the representative body defending the interests of workers in the European metal industry. The EMF has a mandate for the external representation and coordination of the metalworkers' unions and a mandate to engage in bargaining at European level.

For further information please contact:

Editor, Peter Scherrer, EMF General Secretary
Isabelle Barthes, EMF Senior Adviser