Workers in multinational companies are another step closer to having a stronger say in their workplaces after the European Parliament today adopted its position on the revision of the European Works Council (EWC) Directive.
The vote in favour of the trilogue mandate – which the far-right 'Patriots' group tried to prevent - is a crucial step in addressing longstanding barriers to effective transnational workers’ representation, trade union rights and strengthening democracy at work.
EWCs are meant to ensure that workers in multinational companies receive timely information and meaningful consultation on company decisions. But legal loopholes and a lack of enforcement mean only one in five EWCs is meaningfully consulted.
Speaking in Strasbourg after the vote in the European Parliament, ETUC Deputy General Secretary Isabelle Schömann:
“Today’s vote is a victory for workers across Europe. It paves the way for stronger, enforceable rights to ensure workers’ voices are heard by management in multinational companies.”
“Access to justice and effective enforcement of the rights of European Works Councils to timely information, meaningful consultation and access to trade union expertise have been the Achilles’ heel of the current EWC Directive. This mandate is a clear step towards addressing these failings.
“The far-right’s attempt to derail this progress underscores one truth: they are the enemies of workers. Their actions align with corporate interests against fairness and justice for Europe’s workforce.
“Workers must be involved in the decision-making processes to anticipate and manage change, especially when facing restructuring or relocations. This mandate moves us closer to that goal.
“The ETUC thanks the rapporteur MEP Dennis Radtke and urges the European institutions to act swiftly and ambitiously in the upcoming negotiations. Workers across Europe cannot afford any delay in securing their rights.”
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You find more background information on European Works Councils on our dedicated website www.DemocracyAtWork.eu
