Commission proposes to boost further social dialogue within large transnational companies

The European Commission has published an evaluation of the European Works Council Directive (recast Directive 2009/38/EC), adopted in 2009, confirming its added value for workers and companies.

European Works Councils are bodies of social dialogue within large transnational companies. Through them, management informs and consults workers on the progress of the business and any significant decision at European level that could affect their employment or working conditions. In light of the positive evaluation of these European Works Councils, the Commission proposes to create a practical handbook and provide €7 million funding to social partners to support the implementation of the Directive and the effectiveness of European Works Councils.

Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility Commissioner Marianne Thyssen said: "We should build on good practice among companies already using European Works Councils and on the knowledge of EU social partners to stimulate more take-up of this important instrument and to make existing ones even more effective. And the Commission will put its money where its mouth is: We will dedicate a €7 million grant programme in 2019 to support the implementation of the handbook and step up our support to social dialogue in the EU."

All stakeholders, including national authorities and social partners, consider the rules under the new Directive relevant and find they offer a significant contribution to ensuring transnational social dialogue at company level. According to the report, information for workers improved in terms of quality and scope. The Commission also finds that the effectiveness of the consultation procedure can still be improved. The evaluation report will now be shared with the European Parliament and the Council.

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