In Europe, the second phase of consultation of social partners on the need for revision of the Work Councils Directive is coming to an end. As we navigate the evolving landscape of work, it is imperative that we take a closer look at this directive to ensure it aligns with the modern labour environment. First enacted in 1994, the Work Councils Directive aimed to facilitate dialogue between employers and workers through the establishment of works councils in companies with at least 50 employees. Over the years, the world of work has evolved dramatically, with changes in technology, globalization, and employment patterns. As such, revisiting this directive is a timely and necessary endeavour. One of the key aspects to address is the threshold of 50 employees. In today's gig economy, where many workers are part of smaller, more agile organizations or operate as freelancers, this threshold may inadvertently exclude a significant portion of the workforce from enjoying the benefits of work councils. Lowering this threshold or exploring alternative ways to represent workers in smaller enterprises should be considered to ensure inclusivity. At the same time, the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work has announced a new Healthy Workplaces Campaign for 2023-2025 to create a safe and healthy working environment in the digital age, inviting all social partners and employers to be active participants in the campaign.
The digital age is the subject of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) report, which analyses the effects of artificial intelligence on employment in quantitative and qualitative terms. The surprising results confirm the enormous potential of adequately using and regulating such tools. Take a look at these and other policy and regulatory developments in this issue of the IOE Industrial Relations and Labour Law Newsletter.