EWCs: Lessons from Verizon

In the coming months the Irish Labour Court is expected to decide on some key issues on EWC training:  What is training? Who decides what training? Who decides the trainer/s? And who pays for the training?

Background: Verizon EWC chair, JP Charpentier, attended a training program in Germany. Despite the company's refusal to pay, he spoke at the event and received a reduced fee. The court also examined whether expert Werner Altmeyer should be paid for reviewing meeting minutes.

Why it matters: This case highlights the importance of clarifying training costs and expert payments in EWC agreements, especially as the EWC Directive is being revised. The decision could impact EWCs in Irish law.

The big picture: The ambiguity surrounding training and expert payment issues in the EWC Directive and Irish legislation underscores the need for clear guidelines. The revised Directive may provide more clarity, but the extent of flexibility in national laws remains uncertain.

The bottom line: It is crucial for member companies with EWCs under Irish law to ensure precise language regarding training, experts, and legal costs in their EWC agreements. Ambiguity can lead to costly and time-consuming disputes in the future.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

See also IRN report [paywall]