Conferentie over Europese Sociale Dialoog van start (en)

The first sectoral social dialogue conference takes place today in Brussels (Palais d'Egmont), bringing together trade unions and employer representatives from all 31 sectors in the European social dialogue committees.

Representatives from sectors such as textiles, agriculture, constructions and chemicals will join Vladimír Spidla i, European Commissioner for Employment, Social affairs and Equal opportunities at the conference. They will discuss the social partners' role in tackling the challenges facing the EU, such as restructuring, skills gaps and changing population trends.

Three main themes will be debated: anticipating and managing change; strengthening social dialogue in an enlarged Europe; and answers to demographic solutions. Commissioner Spidla, will highlight the importance and responsibilities of the social partners in addressing these issues.

'Sectoral social dialogue has a specific role to play, as its representatives are best placed to judge what the current state of the European economy's sectors is, taking into account each sector's individual characteristics, and helping find concrete solutions,' Commissioner Spidla stated.

European sectoral social dialogue committees were established following a joint request by European social partners' organisations, with 31 committees created since 1998 and more planned. Consultation takes place in the committees, which can also initiate autonomous action. The committees play an increasingly important role through their joint contributions to issues such as better working conditions, vocational training and globalisation, some of which are central to the EU's Growth and Jobs strategy.

The conference will be chaired by Nikolaus van der Pas, Director-General of the European Commission's DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities. As well as the thematic workshops, there will also be discussion on specific initiatives already carried out by the sectoral social partners, such as last year's autonomous agreement on the working conditions of cross border rail operators by European social partners which has since been made a Council Directive.

http://europa.eu.int/eures/main.jsp?acro=eures&lang=en&catId=1&parentId=0

http://europa.eu.int/comm/employment_social/workersmobility2006/