New regulations for European Works Councils
An informative leaflet of the Commission on the modification of the EU Directive on the establishment and operation of the European Works Councils
The EU Directive on the establishment and operation of the European Works Councils Directive establishes the legal framework for European Works Councils. It was renewed this year with the aim to promote the establishment of EWCs and to entitle staff to a better information and consultation especially in the case of restructuring. A new leaflet of the Commission gives an insight into the changes arising from the recast legislation on the establishment and operation of EWCs. It is available in German, English and French.
From 6 June 2011, when Member States have completed the implementation of the provisions in their national law, EWCs will be established and operate according to the EWC Directive 2009/38/EG.
Directive 2009/38/EG provides a transitional period of two years: companies in which new agreements on the setting up of an EWC are concluded or existing agreements are modified between 5 June 2009 and 5 June 2011, are not bound by the new obligations that will be introduced by Directive 2009/38/EG.
More information:
The text of the Directive 2009/38/EG of the European Parliament and the Council of 6 May 2009 on the establishment of a European Works Council or a procedure for informing and consulting employees in Community-scale undertakings and Community (OJ L122 of 16.5.2009, p. 28), and other information are available on the website of the European Commission's Labour Law: