On 23 October a draft directive on National Works Councils went before the European Parliament for debate. This will result in legislation requiring all employers with more than 20 workers in one workplace (or 50 workers throughout different workplaces) to form works councils and to consult their employees on all crucial decisions.
The usual suspects have diametrically opposed views on the proposals, which will ultimately shape the law. John Gillard, deputy director-general of the CBI felt the proposals are “highly damaging” and would be counterproductive for employees. John Monks, TUC general secretary, said this was an over-reaction and evidence of how out of step the CBI is with the rest of Europe.
