News

On 6 and 7 November the final conference of the UNI Europa project entitled “EWCs: tools for transnational action for the services and communication sectors” took place in Granada, Spain.

78 participants from 15 countries attended the conference in view to exchange experiences, identify good examples on the functioning of EWCs and discuss the improvement of the trans-sector trade union cooperation in multinational companies. Participants were trade union officials, EWC chairs, coordinators and EWC members of key multinationals companies from four sectors represented by UNI Europa sectors; Finance, Commerce, property services and graphical sector. Each sector gave an overview of their strategy as regards EWCs and MNCs and David Tarren, expert from syndex presented the results of the discussions held during the four sectoral seminars that were also organised within the framework of this project. Isabelle Barthès, Senior policy Adviser of IndustriALL presented the work of the company policy department in her organisation and pledged for a better coordination between the two organisations. During the two days conference, panel’s discussions were organised on the following themes: information and consultation, the role of EWC coordinators, trade union alliances and transnational company agreement and on communication. Each panel discussion was illustrated by company cases which were followed by a debate with the participants. The conference concluded by the presentation of the UNI Europa ‘s action plan on multinationals and European works councils, which was adopted by the UNI Europa Executive committee in May 2013. Participants highly supported the implementation of this action plan through the new project entitled “UNI Europa EWCs fit for purpose” that will be launched in 2014. The final conference was followed by the organisation of a meeting for EWC coordinators from key multinational companies such as Delhaize, Carrefour, KBC, Unicredit, MMP, Reno De Medici, Kimberly Clark, SAICA, Auchan, Loomis, Securitas as well as trade union officials. The discussions focused on their roles and missions as coordinators in general and in particular in case of restructuring. Participants to both events asked for more training, exchange of experiences across sectors, the development of strategies and communication tools as well as a toolbox for EWC members and coordinators.