Restructuring of ABB ALSTOM POWER

29.11.1999

ORAL QUESTION H‑0749/99
for Question Time at the part‑session in December 1999
pursuant to Rule 43 of the Rules of Procedure
by Sylviane Ainardi
to the Commission

The Board of Directors of ABB ALSTOM POWER, a company created by a merger on 30 June 1999, has announced plans to restructure its activities. Job losses have already been announced in some countries where the company operates. However, that scant initial information does not seem to be the last we shall hear about it. The situation, which is particularly harmful in terms of employment, raises a number of questions, with particular regard to the truthful nature of the information given to the European Works Council created in May 1996. There is, accordingly, a more urgent need to review and update the European Works Council Directive. Lessons must be learned from these events. Should not the Directive be amended and have incorporated in it the requirement of a six-month suspensory time-limit applicable to any restructuring plans so that an independent trade union report may be drawn up? What is the Commission’s opinion?

 

 

Tabled: 29.11.1999

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