The UK’s manufacturers have urged the Government to reject attempts by the
European Commission (EC) to amend the legislation on European Works Councils
(EWCs) when it reviews the directive later this year.
Responding to the DTI discussion paper on The UK Experience of European
Works Councils, the Engineering Employers’ Federation (EEF) argues that it is
too early a stage to assess the benefits to multinational companies from their
EWCs.
Commenting on the commission’s forthcoming review, EEF deputy director of
employment policy David Yeandle said: "Creating the necessary level of
trust and confidence for effective information and consultation to take place
is a lengthy process, particularly when it involves people from member states
with very different employee relations systems, histories and cultures.
"Since this is about to be made more complex by the EU’s enlargement
and, there is a clear lack of enthusiasm for EWCs among both employers and
employee representatives, it is too early to consider changes to this
directive," he said.
