| The European Federation of Food, Agriculture and Tourism Trade Unions (EFFAT) welcomes the provisional trilogue agreement reached on the revision of the European Works Council (EWC) Directive, marking an important step forward for workers’ rights in multinational companies across Europe.
European Works Councils play a crucial role in ensuring that workers have a voice in company decisions that affect their jobs and livelihoods. This is in our sectors where multinational companies make decisions that impact thousands of workers across multiple countries. EFFAT Company Policy Officer William Eddershaw commented on the agreement saying: “Workers in our sectors – from food processing plants to hotel chains, from agricultural cooperatives to catering companies – deserve meaningful consultation when their employers make decisions that will shape their future. The current directive has proven insufficient to guarantee these fundamental rights.” “We are encouraged that the European Parliament, Council, and Commission have recognized the need for stronger provisions. However, our support for this revision will depend on whether the final text delivers the substantial improvements that workers urgently need. Where such improvements have been made, it is vital that the Parliament and Council adopt the new directive on behalf of the millions of workers across Europe covered by EWC agreements.” EFFAT emphasizes that any meaningful revision must address the longstanding weaknesses in the current directive, particularly ensuring that sanctions are effective and proportionate, widening the definition of transnational matters, and that workers have genuine access to justice when their rights are violated. “In times of significant transformation in our industries – whether through digitalization, climate transition, or economic uncertainty – it is more important than ever that workers have a real say in decisions affecting them,” Eddershaw added. EFFAT will now carefully analyse the full text of the agreement once it becomes available. EFFAT calls on EU institutions to ensure swift adoption of a directive that truly strengthens workers’ rights and makes European Works Councils an effective tool for workplace democracy. The final assessment of EFFAT’s position will be made following thorough examination of the agreed provisions and their potential impact on workers in our sectors. |
EFFAT Welcomes Progress on European Works Council Directive Revision
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