EU to Review the European Works Councils
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The Commission decided to review the Directive on the European Works Council, the standing bodies that facilitate the information and consultation of employees in European companies and European groups of companies. The European Parliament has called for a review after a 2018 assessment by the Commission on the effectiveness of the existing directive found shortcomings.
Brussels, 14 April 2023
The existing Directive provides for a procedure for setting up information and consultation bodies between management and employee representatives in companies with more than 1,000 employees and operating in at least two Member States.
European works councils promote a shared understanding of the transnational challenges facing large multinational companies and the involvement of employees in the decision-making process, with the aim of discussing possible solutions, facilitating their implementation and increasing the impact of the strategic choices made by the employer.
The European Parliament’s request stems from the assessment carried out in 2018 on the effectiveness of the existing Directive, which led to the detection of shortcomings, such as the EWC consultation process and the tools with which representatives can assert their rights.