Brussels, 16/03/2007 (Agence Europe) - With the backing of the European Commission, the European Mine, Chemical and Energy Workers Federation (EMCEF), the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) and Eurogas, the EU-level gas industry organisation, established an EU-level social dialogue committee on Thursday 15 March. EU Social Policy Commissioner Vladmir Spidla said that with the EU developing a new energy policy, 'the launch of an EU-level dialogue with social partners in the gas sector is particularly timely.'
This dialogue among trade unions (EMCEF and EPSU) and employers (Eurogas) aims to contribute to the overall competitiveness of the European gas industry, giving social partners the possibility of contributing to EU policies like the EU's new energy package and the ongoing liberalisation of the gas industry. It also aims to foster a high level of employment with high quality jobs, ensuring health and safety at work and giving workers the option of lifelong training. The new committee will also discuss the social and employment impact of the new EU energy policy and the opening of the gas market. (gb)