(EN) EWC ASSESSMENT TOOL: “THE EFFECTIVE EWC IN NEW NORMALITY”

The project “EwepCe Effective and well-functioning EWCs in post – Covid era“ has proceeded at a very dynamic time. In the first phase of the project, we examined the evaluation of EWC performance in the participating countries. The assessment was mixed. The labour side expected better work efficiency, more information, and more meaningful consultation. It pointed to the challenges faced by EWCs in relation to the energy crisis, energy prices, and the transformation related to automation and greening. The legislative side was more satisfied with the current regulation and practice of EWCs.

During the course of the project, the European Commission proceeded (also influenced by the demand from the European Parliament) to work on strengthening the EWC – the first and second phases of consultations with the European social partners were conducted. Both phases of the consultation showed fundamental contradictions between the trade union side and the employers’ side on the need to amend the directive. Following the two phases of consultation, the Commission on 4 January presented proposals for changes, which can be found below.

In the following text, you will find a tool for evaluating the EWC’s work, based on questions to employee and employer representatives, as well as the scope of information the EWC should receive to act effectively. EWC members or employers’ representatives can answer these questions, which may lead to a certain reflection leading to an improvement of the EWC’s work.

At the end of this text, you will also find information about sample court rulings on EWCs.

At the very end, you can find a list of the most important documents that have been produced in connection with the legislative process initiated to amend the EWC Directive.