EWCs: Conveying our objections on EWCD revision to MEPs

We visited the European Parliament in Brussels to highlight the negative impacts of the parliament’s proposed revisions to the European Works Council Directive. We focused on injunctions and fines, and provided briefing papers to several Irish MEPs

Key Facts We visited the European Parliament in Brussels to oppose proposed revisions to the European Works Council Directive (EWCD).  We met with MEPs, including Sean Kelly of the European People's Party (EPP) and highlighted potential negative impacts on industrial relations and business competitiveness, specifically the inclusion of injunctions and GDPR-style fines in the proposed revisions.

Why This Matters  The proposed revisions to the EWCD could significantly alter the landscape of employer-employee relations in Europe. If implemented, these changes would: 

• Transform EWCs from valuable dialogue forums into overly legalistic and confrontational mechanisms.
• Potentially damage industrial relations practices in multiple EU Member States.
• Negatively impact the competitiveness of European businesses.

What Happens Next  The EU Parliament is scheduled to meet in plenary from December 17-19, 2024. There is a possibility that the full Parliament will invoke a Rule 71 procedure, this would allow reconsideration of the EMPL committee's decision to back the Radtke plans.