Brussels, 27/11/2006 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission's “Restructuring Taskforce” met on 23 November, under the chairmanship of the Employment, and Social Affairs Directorate General, to discuss the consequences of the transfer to Germany of some of the operations of the Volkswagen plant at Brussels-Forest. It said that it would check with Belgian authorities that the European rules which apply in cases of massive lay-offs - specifically, the directives on European Works Councils, Collective Redundancies and Information and Consultation of Employees - were observed in this case (see EUROPE 9314). The Taskforce noted that Commissioner Vladimir Spidla will write to the President of Volkswagen urging him to ensure an effective social dialogue throughout the restructuring process, and that he intended to visit the Volkswagen factory in Brussels next week for discussions with management and workers, said a press release. The Taskforce pointed out that the social partners at European level (UNICE, ETUC, UEAPME and CEEP) have agreed basic good practices to be followed in cases of restructuring, practices which, if applied, “would lead to a more responsible management of such difficult situations”.
In Brussels on Friday , the Taskforce also affirmed its confidence in the future of the European motor industry, while recognising that change was necessary for the industry to grow and compete in the face of increased globalisation and international competition. It agreed to analyse the effect of restructuring in the motor industry would have on employment in Europe, and suggested that the social partners develop a long-term strategy for the sector, concluded the press release. (mg)