Renegotiation of existing EWC agreements
More than half of all EWC agreements were signed in the period prior to the enforcement of national EWC legislation in the
year 1996. Many of these agreements are no longer up to date, important employee rights are not sufficiently settled.
Therefore we recommend to improve these agreements to the current standards and to develop the abilities to run the EWC.
It is not always necessary to terminate the agreement formally, in many cases a written amendment could already be
sufficient.
→ Interview with Prof Dr Jeremy Waddington on that issue
Renegotiation due to mergers and acquisitions
The European corporate landscape indicates a permanent change. The sale of marginal activites and the acquisition of core
business fields determines the strategic approach of many groups. This indicates huge consequences for the composition of
European works councils. Approximately 20-30 % of all EWC members leave their EWC every year and find themselves again in
another corporate structure.
Renegotiation as a result of EU enlargement
Of the altogether 2,204 companies affected by the EWC Directive 1,142 (= 52 %) have locations in the new EU states (figures
of June 2005). Therefore many European works councils have to be extended by delegates from these countries. After
examining which countries are affected, the possible consequences for the distribution of seats have to be considered.
Should the number of delegates increase or should the existing mandates being redistributed? Should the
steering committee being changed? A series of additional questions - e.g. concerning interpreters and internal
communication - has to be clarified.
→ Further information about EWC Eastern enlargement
Our support
Our archive contains a collection of (almost) all EWC agreements valid at present. This helps us to develop tailor-made
solutions for an improved or post-merger agreement or for a new composition of seats due to mergers, acquisitions or
EU enlargement. As external advisors we accompany you as well during negotiations with your management.
Further consultancy services:
→ Prior to the EWC establishment
→ The first session of the EWC (... and after that)
