News

European trade unions act against compulsory redundancies and the cutback of benefits at HP and EDS



Demands on European action day on 13^th November



Trade union and European Works Council representatives from HP and EDS have already made it clear on several occasions that they will not accept a merger of two companies merge with the aim of downsizing (see EMF press releases of 8^th September and 15^th October 2008). They have called on the new management to explain how and where the new merged company would grow and how this would benefit its employees. They reject the plans to lay off 9,330 workers. These plans exceed the ‘worst scenario’ expectations held by many.



Against this background, the European trade unions have decided to call on all HP and EDS workers to mobilise on 13^th November in a demonstration of European solidarity against the management’s plans.



On 13^th November, EMF and UNI-Europa affiliates throughout Europe will undertake local/national actions as a sign of protest against plans for mass redundancies and cutbacks in benefits. They will call for alternative solutions aiming at safeguarding jobs and securing a sustainable future for their companies.



On this day of unity and solidarity, they will call on management to:



- provide full information and proper consultation with the trade union/employee representative bodies both at European and national levels;

- recognise the employees’ right to bargain collectively and to negotiate social plans;

- stop any compulsory redundancies;

- provide a detailed plan for redeployment and re-skilling for those whose jobs are at risk and prepare for anticipated skills shortages;

- create the conditions for the establishment of a new EWC to be built on the best elements and practices of the existing EWCs.



For further information please contact:

Isabelle Barthès, EMF Policy Advisor on Company Policy +32(0)2 227 10 12

Gerd Rohde, UNI-Europa + 41(0)1 792 02 19 28



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