On the eve of the final decision taking in the European Parliament and the European Commission on the European postal directive, Eurofedop set up an action in Maastricht.
Eurofedop seriously worries about the position of the workers once the postal market will be completely liberalised. The working conditions, fair competition and the universal service are under serious threat.

With a view to the upcoming discussions and voting in the European Parliament, as well as the postal action planned for 6th June, Eurofedop explained once more its points of view and handed over a resolution with its demands to Mr Mathieu Grosch, MEP, on 1st June.
During the European conference that was organised by the BVPP, Dutch trade union for personnel of the postal sector, in Maastricht, the participants were confronted with the following thesis : "The liberalisation of the postal market has only caused losers ?!". Mr Nieuwenhoven, director social affairs VNO NCW (employers organisation), spoke very positively about liberalisation. "Job security has to make way for work security and there is no question at all of losers, considering the improvement of the situation for the client/customer". Mr Hessels, member of the Dutch House of Representatives, CDA (Christian Democrats), spoke critically about the role played by the government in the discussion on working conditions. This discussion should take place between the employers and the workers only, according to Mr Hessels. In this, he differs from his Social Democratic colleagues who favour a role played by the government when the social component is concerned (e.g. with regard to minimum wages). The Dutch postal company TNT was also represented. Its spokesman Mr Dietz spoke enthusiastically about the mission and operation of TNT.

The Transport committee in the European Parliament met on 4 June to debate the reforming of the EU's postal sector. However, agreement on the 'Ferber report' still seems far away. After having received 600 amendments, rapporteur Markus Ferber (EPP-ED) presented his compromise which he wishes to bring forward in the plenary session before the summer recess. He highlights six areas that continue to cause major disagreement between the different committees and political groups:
1.Universal service (definition)
2.Employment
3.Further research/studies
4.Financing mechanisms (Universal service)
5.Reciprocity
6.Licenses
With regard to the new date, suggested by Ferber, of 31.12.2010 with a maximum prolongation of 2 years for new member states and states with specific geographical problems, Ferber seems to have gained some more support. However, shadow rapporteur Brian Simpson (PES) stated that this date does not entirely please him. After having consulted postal operators, mainly from the new member states, he believes more time is needed and therefore suggests 01.01.2012.

After a 'period of reflection' and the festive celebrations of the EU's 50th birthday in March, serious discussions about the future of Europe have arisen. At the next summit, to be held on 21-22 June, Germany is hoping to break the deadlock on the Constitutional Treaty, however, disagreement is still widespread among the EU member states. To win support for a revised, treaty the German government is proposing to split the constitution into two parts.

The idea is to have a basic treaty containing the institutional arrangements, competences, objectives and values of the Union and a separate text dealing with the policies and the question whether decisions should be taken by unanimity or qualified majority voting. The EU leaders aim at creating a new common basis before the European Parliament elections in 2009.

Of course there are still the problems of the 'No' in France and the Netherlands (2005) as well as the continuing eurosceptic approach in several countries such as the UK and the Czech Republic. The Germans fear that the UK will form the biggest stumbling block to a deal with its wish for a minimalist treaty. In addition to this, the UK has suggested dropping the fundamental rights charter from the constitution; it wants to prevent the charter from being legally enforceable (as does the Czech Republic).
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Despite all the turbulence around the EU summit today in Brussels, Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány found some time to join a policy briefing organised by the European Policy Centre (EPC). In a presentation on the status of Hungary and its position within the European Union Mr. Gyurcsány explained that 'learning democracy' is not an easy process. Disappointment can be felt within the country and like in the entire region there exists a certain 'lack of historical confidence' in that it is hard to digest historical traumas in a democratic environment, mentioning Poland as another example.

Jackie Morin, head of unit Social Dialogue, DG Employment and Social affairs, European Commission presided at a conference on industrial relations in Europe. This meeting was attended by some 70 representatives from workers' and employers' organisations. The conference was also organised to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the European Industrial Relations Observatory online (EIRO). EIRO is a monitoring instrument initiated by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions in Dublin.

Nikolaus van der Pas, Director General DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities of the European Commission held an opening speech. In this speech he emphasised that the Commission attached great value to healthy, well established industrial relations in Europe. As an answer to the changing European society he addressed three topics:

1)Flexicurity: The European Commission wants to achieve a 'win-win' situation for all parties. On the 27th of June the Commission will present a paper analysis of the concept of flexicurity which will offer common principles and pathways for member states and social partners.

2)Labour law reform: There have been 450 reactions to the public consultation on the modernisation of labour law. Many reactions were written with suspicion and caution. However, Mr. van der Pas assured the partners that there is no hidden agenda for the European Commission. The European Commission will come forward with a second paper as a follow up of this public consultation.

On 14 May researchers of the Observatoire social européen (OSE) gathered in the European Parliament under the guidance of Pierre Jonckheer MEP (Greens). Every year, the OSE publishes a study on the social developments in the European Union. This year too, editors of the study presented their chapter during the conference in the European Parliament.
Two chapters in the study are of particular interest to Eurofedop. Firstly the chapter on the Services Directive, written by Eric Van den Abeele (Political scientist University of Mons-Hainaut). Secondly, the chapter on health and social services in the internal market written by Rita Baeten (Researcher OSE). In October, Eurofedop organises a conference in Malta dealing with this topic. Ms. Baeten presented her chapter in a lively manner and concluded that the legal uncertainty that is often used in the discourse on this issue will remain, whether health services will be in- or excluded from the scope of the services directive. The European Court of Justice has defined health services as 'economic activities'.

For the second time this year, disputes between the UK Prison Service and the Prison Officers' Association have been battled out in court.
The UK government accused the POA of threatening and intimidating their members by sending out circulars about the Contract Supplementary Hours (CSH). The POA has lost its right to execute industrial actions in 1993 and its members have no means at all to express their dissatisfaction with working conditions, payments etc. The rights were returned in 1994 but with restrictions. Compensatory measures for these limited worker's rights such as an independent Pay Review Body were promised by the UK government, however, so far these have been absolutely unacceptable.

The fact that the UK government/Prison Service uses the court as an instrument in this matter is very worrying. The judge confirmed this by stating that disputes relating to industrial actions and the treatment of workers must be discussed and solved at the negotiation table, not in court. For the POA this meant victory, although a bitter one.

Results of the workshops
In the framework of the Seminar among three groups of participants was organized a workshop. The first group got the task to analyze advantages and obstacles for trade unions in Serbia, the second one for strengthening the role and the influence of trade unions in development of democratic and efficient administration and finally the third one for cooperation and solidarity between trade unions.

Group 1: Analyze advantages and obstacles for trade unions in Serbia
It was concluded that trade unions in Serbia have legal basis for collective negotiations and support of membership as and advantage, but obstacles are - political authorities restriction of the employed rights in public services, insufficient cooperation between trade unions, insufficient trade union proposals and demands and interfering policy in collective bargaining process.

Between 21-22.03.2007 took place in Timisoara the international seminar on the theme: "Water - The present and the future of Terra".
The seminar was organised by the Federation of Trade Unions from Public Services (F.S.L.I.G.C.S.P.) with the support of "AQUATIM"-the water company from Timisoara- and the Trade Union of local employees from "AQUATIM".
The seminar was part of a project approved and financed by "EUROFEDOP".

The guests from TMVW-Gent (Belgium) were: mr.Peter de Paepe and mr.Walter de Meyer - representatives of trade union and mr.Robert Boerjan - Comercial Department Manager.
From Romania took part in the seminar mr.Ilie Vlaicu - General Manager, mrs.Rozalia Giuchici - Finance Manager, miss Adriana Anghelus - Development Manager, mr.Stefan Gogosan - President of Cartel Alfa Timis County Filial, mr.Constantin Dobosan - President of Trade Union from "AQUATIM", as well as other trade union militants from "AQUATIM", totalizing 25 persons. On the occasion of 'World Water Day', the TMVW delegation visited AQUATIM, the drinking water company responsible for the entir watercyclus of Timisoara.
The first day began with a visit at the most important objectives of the water company, where the Belgian guests could have seen many interesting things about the history of "AQUATIM" and the investments done in order to improve the supplying of water in Timis County.
In the next day, both delegations presented the two water companies: organizing of activities, the strategies on medium and long term, everything to increase the water quality on the benefit of citizens.
From the presentation of the two trade unions - Belgian and Romanian - the main idea was that a concrete social dialogue is the best way to better solutions to get over the crisis period and to create a stability climate inside the company.
After debates, everybody drew the conclusion that both employers and trade unions from the water production and distribution field have to look for solutions to increase the water quality because the water will become, in the near future, the most important wealth of the planet.
The real gain was that the seminar made possible and stimulated the contact with european employers and trade union organisations, willing to assure assistance and support for the development of the similar organisations from Romania.
At the same time these meetings have the aim to improve the bilateral exchanges between european employers organizations and european trade unions for an ever better social dialogue.
Ion Mihala
Secretary General

On 29 March, some 85 trade union representatives from Serbian public services unions gathered to discuss social partnership and the creation of an effective social dialogue mechanism in Serbia. The meeting was chaired by Njegos Potezica, president of State Administration and Judicial System Employees Union. Human resources, collective labour disputes, labour law, modernisation of public administration and the liberalisation of the postal sector were part of the very interesting and intense programme.
One of the key speakers was Dr. Darko Marinkovic, lecturer at the University of Belgrade. During the seminar Dr. Marinkovic presented the academic point of view regarding various topics, which gave the seminar an interesting and in depth dimension. In his remarks he stated that trade unions have to take part in the processes of reform of state administration and the creation of a new, modern system of collective negotiations in accordance with European standards.

Alfred Lohman, Romina Bartolo, Klaus Platzer

However, theory becomes even more interesting when there are practical examples proving its value. Along with the representatives of Eurofedop, Bert Van Caelenberg and Femke Beumer, four trade union experts from EU member states held a presentation on the situation in their home countries. Klaus Platzer (GÖD/FCG) gave a clarifying presentation of Human Resources Management in the public sector. 'The people are the business card of the organisation' he said and a human personnel policy certainly does not mean that the employee simply follows the demands of the employer. On the contrary, recognition, personal development possibilities and the ability to learn are key factors in motivating the employee to remain loyal to and productive within the organisation.
Mrs Romina Bartolo (UHM, Malta) spoke about the labour law system and the rights of employees in Malta. In many instances, the rights of public service employees are more far reaching than those for employees in the private sector and (public) worker's rights and obligations are listed in the Public Service Management Code. This Code brings together all standing regulations, policies on relations and resources management in the Public Sector and is constantly updated. Malta applied for EU membership in 1990 and, as we all know, finally joined the Union in May 2004, along with 9 other states. Mrs. Bartolo explained that during the accession negotiations, UHM has played an important role for example with regarding to the implementation of (EU) labour law regulations, which eventually benefited workers.
The topic of settling collective labour disputes was presented by Alfred Lohman (CNV Public, the Netherlands). After having explained the structures of the collective bargaining process in the Netherlands, Mr. Lohaman illustrated this with a few examples of strikes that have recently taken place in his country (customs workers, prison personnel). A slideshow showed pictures of a national mass action that took place on 13 February where activists called for a higher percentage of salary increased than the ministry suggested as well as for other benefits for the public service employees. 'Both parties know they need each other, the Dutch collective bargaining system focuses on getting compromises', he concludes.

The Parliamentary Committee on Employment and Social affairs ('EMPL') invited European Commissioner Vladimir Špidla on 21.03, to discuss the Commission's green paper on the 'Modernisation of Labour law'. This green paper was launched as a consultation document in November 2006 and was discussed at Eurofedop's Trade Council Local and Regional authorities in March 2007. The green paper attempts to instigate a discussion on the organisation of work and labour law as the EU is facing a new reality in which 'traditional' and 'typical' contracts no longer form the majority.

The discussions in the EMPL committee mainly concentrated on the concept of 'flexicurity'; the EU's wish to have a more flexible job market while simultaneously improving the level of security for workers (a Danish model). Parliamentarians in the room seemed confused and some even frustrated, as it is not clear at all what the European Commission's intentions are with this green paper.

Willy Buschak, deputy director of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working conditions (Dublin) gave a presentation on flexicurity and stressed that such a model would not just be interesting for the employer, but also for the employee. In addition to this he emphasised the importance of strong social partners within the social dialogue.

A last important aspect that Mr. Buschak mentioned was trust. This triggered many reactions from the parliamentarians because how can an employee trust its employer in ensuring his/her job while at the same time this employer gains greater flexibility in hiring/firing personnel. The other way around, will the employer trust his/her employees when it comes to training and education as well as motivation for the job? A relation based on trust between the different social partners is absolutely necessary for 'flexicurity' to work, MEPs stated. However, very critical comments could be heard from more sceptical MEPs. Ilda Figuerido (Greens, Portugal) stated that 'flexicurity' basically means 'liberalisation' and that the trade unions would be the ones to lose.

At the European Council in 2006, European leaders endorsed the idea of a 'social reality stocktaking' exercise among European citizens in the framework of 'A citizens' agenda'. Europe's citizens are living in an ever changing society. Dramatic changes related to the nature of work, family life, and the position of women, demographic trends and the (increasing) mobility of people present new challenges. A Eurobarometer poll was carried out at the end of 2006 and in February, the Commission launched a public consultation on the question: 'Is there a new social reality in Europe?' The public consultation is meant to take stock of current social realities and trends within European societies.

If we take a look at the chapter 'Work' in the results of the Eurobarometer survey, we can see that half of the respondents (26.755 in total) claim to be in work. When it comes to job satisfaction, 80% claims to be 'working with people they like'. However, 68% finds his/her work dull and boring. Overall, the level of job satisfaction is relatively high in the EU. This tendency seems to be stronger in Northern European countries.

In the European Parliament there are 20 parliamentary Committees that consist of between 25 and 78 MEP's. The Committees have a chair, a bureau and a secretariat and meet once or twice a month in Brussels during the so-called 'Committee week'. The parliamentary committee that is concerned with employment and social affairs is called 'EMPL' and it draws up, amends and adopts legislative proposals and own-initiative reports. For Eurofedop, it is very important to closely follow what is happening in the EMPL committee, and to maintain contacts within the committee.

On 24 January, Eurofedop attended the EMPL Committee meeting in the European Parliament. One of the topics on the agenda was the impact and consequences of the exclusion of Health Services from the 'Services Directive'. MEP's were given the opportunity to exchange their views on the draft opinion of the Committee EMPL. The report on the future of health services is difficult because it concerns a policy area that is regulated at Member State level. Nonetheless, everybody agrees that we should strive for better conditions and values, in order to improve the situation of the patient (and the workers!). Milan Cabrnoch MEP (EPP-ED group) underlined the importance of better regulations for cross-border healthcare. He regrets that health services were excluded from the scope of the Services Directive. The mobility of patients and health professionals is often accompanied with many financial and administrative problems. In response to this comment, critical remarks could be heard, mainly coming from the PES group and the Greens. Ria Oomen-Ruijten MEP (EPP-ED group), however, also expressed the hesitation she experienced when discussing the in/ex-clusion of health services into the Services Directive.

CEDER, the study service of the Flemish Christian Democratic party CD&V organised a seminar in the European Parliament in conjunction with the EPP-ED Internal Market working group. The topic of the seminar, chaired by Marianne Thyssen MEP, was a single European market for services after Bolkestein. We all recall the heated debates around this controversial directive. Today, after having recovered from the debate, we should take a closer look at the directive and consider what its concrete implications will be. In addition to this, it is time to decide on the future of the services that were left out from the scope of this directive. Health services and other social services, have been excluded from the scope of the services directive. Nevertheless, they are still subject to debate and are certainly no simple areas to somehow regulate at a European level.
To clarify the European Commission's point of view, Jean Bergevin (DG Internal Market and Services, head of unit E2) and Martin Frohn (DG Internal Market and Services) participated in the panel. It is often said that the EU is lagging behind the US in terms of productivity but according to Bergevin this is arguable. What is clear, however, is that the level of growth is leaving the EU behind. "We need to ensure a good internal market for services", he stated. It is a lot harder though in Europe, because of its fragmented market. Discussing a single market for services is extremely complicated; services are intangible and heterogeneous. He explained that in 2007, the European Commission will come forward with an extended transparency directive on services in order to get a better regulation tool. Martin Frohn emphasised that the legislation on services is supposed to create a dynamic process in the member states. The modifications made at European level need to be put in place at member state level and need to be continuously supervised to ensure they are compatible.

Member trade unions from "Cartel Alfa" had a meeting in Bucharest. They had been invited by Bert Van Caelenberg, secretary general of Eurofedop, to celebrate their entrance into the EU and prepare themselves for a still more intensive cooperation within Eurofedop.
The next Congress of Eurofedop will be an excellent occasion for this. Trade unions from the new EU member states will present themselves through an info stand to the Congress participants. Those will be trade unions representing personnel from the local authorities, police, health services, ministries and justice.

At a seminar organised by ETÖK, the Estonian centre for work related questions and EVVI, the overall opinion that could be heard was that the small country of Estonia is doing well in economic terms. It has experienced huge growth and innovative successes.
The country's economy continues to grow. Its GDP has increased by 11.3% in the third quarter of 2006. The unemployment rate has decreased significantly over the past few years. According to the ILO methodology it was 14% in 2001 and 5.1% in 2006 (Office for Statistics in Estonia http://www.stat.ee/183078). There are, of course, different ways to measure and define unemployment, and not all unemployed are registered, but we could conclude that the country is experiencing a time of growth as the economic restructuring has come to an end. However, it is interesting to note that the views of different generations somewhat deviated.
Patrick Rang, council member of ETÖK, held an enthusiastic presentation about the economic success in Estonia and explained that the living standard has grown hugely. Although he did mention the regional differences (Tallinn versus rural areas) and the tendency of workers in certain sectors to leave the country and move to other parts of the EU (mainly Finland), generally he was very positive.
In reaction to this presentation, Henn Pärn, public conciliator, nuanced the remarks given earlier by stating that the country could be much more successful than it is today. "Repeating over and over again how well the country is doing could demoralise society", Henn Pärn said.
Coupled with economic growth, there are also many things that are not going well at all and some people are not able to keep up with the ongoing changes and the speed of reform.
New trends in Labour policy
The seminar dealt with the topic of new trends in Labour policy, with a clear focus on Estonia. Mart Laar, former Prime Minister and currently campaigning for the new elections, clarified what is meant exactly by these new labour trends. He explained the situation of Estonia within the wider context of international trends such as globalisation and the 'brain drain' that are currently visible. When talking about the 'flexicurity' debate, he emphasised that it is extremely important to precisely define the 'security level'. This is linked to many aspects, not only in the monetary field. Furthermore, he underlined the importance of preparing for a certain 'plan B' for Estonia. In other words, now that the country is doing well, it should harvest in order to be prepared for less fortunate times that are to come, according to Mart Laar.
Other key speakers were Marko Pomerants, MP and former minister of Social Affairs, Kadri Jäätma, Chief specialist of Estonian labour market board and Katri Targama, Head of Unit life-long learning and Human Resources Development Foundation.
"Trade unions should be at the forefront of social dialogue"
To provide the participants with a European perspective, three speakers were invited. First of all, Femke Beumer explained the working of the European Federation of Employees in Public Services (EUROFEDOP) located in Brussels. This federation groups over 50 trade unions representing employees in public services. Part of its activities is to closely monitor the European trends in labour policy and keeping its members up to date on the latest developments and legislation that needs to be implemented at national level.

On 14, 15 and 16 December, a seminar of the Romanian trade union for Police and Contractual Staff (SNPPC) took place in Bucharest. The debate which was organised with the participation of experts from Europe and the Direction of the Police of Romania, was about how the communication between employers and workers in the police sector could be better organised in Romania. Another subject was the police and their role in guarding Europe's external frontiers. Bert Van Caelenberg spoke about the Acquis Communautaire and the practical working in the new EU member states.

A delegate from the permanent representation of Romania in Brussels spoke about the results of negotiations in the field of justice and security. Professor Pavel Abraham, president of the National Anti-Drugs Agency of Romania, made a plea for officialising the consultation between employers and workers of the Police in Romania. He received support for this from the Dutch colleagues of the ACP, Evert Terpstra and Jan van den Houten.

On 29 November, the social dialogue meeting for Local and Regional authorities took place in Brussels. For Eurofedop, Kristien Van Der Gucht (Belgium), Alzbeta Broszova (Slovakia) and Alain Mazeau (France) were present.
The minutes of the last meeting (31.01.2006) and the working group meetings were approved.
Joint statement
CEMR and EPSU drafted a joint statement on the social dialogue, which was discussed during the meeting. Although the statement was clear, it seemed difficult to apply it to every country individually. There was confusion about the concrete meaning of the text.
Green paper on Labour law
Paul Cullen from the labour law unit, DG EMPL, European Commission held a presentation on the modernisation of labour law. He gave an update on the recent and upcoming activities of the European Commission and presented the Green Paper on Labour Law. The flexicurity debate and the debate on reconciling work and family life need to be intensified in the local sector.
The president suggested to work in separate groups with employers and employees and to have a joint meeting afterwards. The employers state that there should not be too much legislation coming from Europe, since the situation is so different for each member state. The employers from the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland and Norway) agree on some action at European level but admit that they fear for a constant rising of the standards, to the highest norm. The employers respond positively to the adjustment of working time.
A problem that is common in the local sector throughout Europe is the advantageous situation of contractual workers in comparison to statutory workers. The question is how we can prevent this and how we can plead for statutory employment.
It was established that in the green paper, very little is written about employees in public services. The latest version does mention collective bargaining, but not more than that.