Brussels, 24/03/2005 (Agence Europe) - The 3rd largest pharmaceutical group in the world and number 1 in Europe, SANOFI AVENTIS, has set up a European Works Council (EWC) to “continue and strengthen, at the European level, the social dialogue previously developed in each of the two groups”, a communication announced. The agreement to set up an EWC was concluded on 24 February between the management and the Special Negotiating Body (SNB), made up of 33 employee representatives (16 countries) and two European trade union organisations the European Mine, Chemical and Energy Workers' Federation (EMCEF) and the Fédération Européenne des Cadres de la Chimie et des Industries Annexes (FECCIA). The agreement applies to all employees of companies located in the EU or the European Economic Area in which SANOFI AVENTIS directly or indirectly owns more than 50% of the capital.
The scope of the EWC is extended to candidate countries for accession to the EU: Bulgaria, Romania, and Croatia. Turkey will enter into the scope of the EWC four years before its accession, the communication adds.
Headed by Jean-François Dehecq, the EWC comprises 40 members and observers appointed for a term of four years, and will meet twice a year (Info: http://www.sanofi-aventis.com ).