Commission invites social partners to negotiate about European works councils

The European Commission invited trade unions' and employers' representatives on 20 February 2008 to help improve the role of European works councils in consulting and informing employees.

European Works Councils (EWCs) currently operate in 820 major companies across the EU, covering some 14.5 million employees. Today's second stage consultation gives social partners the opportunity to start negotiations on updating and improving the way the bodies operate, with a view to revising the existing legislation.