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EU: ETUC turns down talks on revision of EWCs Directive
In April 2008, the European Trade Union Confederation rejected an employers’ offer of negotiations over the European Commission’s proposals for revision of the EU Directive on European Works Councils.
ECJ: Court rules that public contractors cannot be obliged to pay collectively agreed wage rates
In a controversial ruling issued in April 2008, the European Court of Justice found that public authorities cannot demand that companies that are awarded works contracts must pay wages to all workers (including workers posted from other countries) that are in line with rates set out in collective agreements applicable to the place of work.
Germany: Spring bargaining round sees real pay growth
A number of important sectors, including the public sector and the chemicals industry, concluded pay agreements during April 2008, resulting in substantial wage growth in some instances.
Ireland: National pay talks under way
In April 2008, the Irish government, trade unions and employers launched formal negotiations over a new national pay agreement. The negotiations look set to be protracted and difficult, with unions opposing calls for wage moderation.
Italy: Health and safety law includes tougher penalties for employers
The Italian government approved new workplace health and safety legislation on 1 April 2008, putting into effect “proxy law” no.123/2007, passed by parliament in August 2007, with the aim of reorganising existing legislation in this area into a single text and strengthening its provisions.
Spain: Government launches employment plan
In April 2008, the Spanish government announced an emergency employment and training plan, aimed at tackling the unemployment effects of the current economic slowdown.
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