IR Notes
Working together to build a social Europe
An independent, reliable and impartial source of information on industrial relations and labour law in Europe.
IR Notes
An introduction
IR Notes is an independent, reliable and balanced briefing note on industrial relations and labour law in Europe.
Published in 6 languages and sold by subscription, this newsletter gives you access to concise, targeted and practical information on the major themes of both social Europe and transnational social dialogue.
With our experts and national correspondents, we adopt a dynamic, practical and useful approach to European social monitoring.
As a result, we select the most relevant topics, which are a source of cross-disciplinary and inspiring ideas.
Each issue includes:
- An interview with someone working in the field of industrial relations who offers their unique take on a current social issue, an agreement, or an example of best practice.
- Updates on EU legislative and case law developments.
- Monitoring of labour law developments in EU Member States.
- Updates on the latest developments concerning European Works Councils and SE Works Councils.
- Lastly, IR Notes keeps you informed about the main studies and research carried out on the world of work.
IR Notes
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A community of experts, researchers and national correspondents selects the most relevant topics every fortnight in order to provide a source of cross-disciplinary and inspiring ideas. Why not download a free copy and see for yourself?
IR Notes 231 – 29 May 2024
A question for... Léna Guyon, Policy Officer Social Affairs at FIEC (the European Construction...
Brigitte Ollier, Senior Advisor on Social Affairs at UITP
Why do you and the European trade union federation ETF want to establish a European sectoral...
Séverine Picard, founder and Chief Executive Director of Progressive policies
You recently published a report denouncing severe exploitation of third-country road‑transport...
IR Notes
Building a social Europe together
The IR Notes newsletter gives everyone in Europe access to an independent, reliable and impartial source of information on topics involving industrial relations
EU employers are now openly calling for a “Social Omnibus” directive
EU employers are now openly calling for a “Social Omnibus” directive, given that the search for competitiveness also involves a revision of European social legislation.In a statement issued by BusinessEurope, five texts are prioritised: the pay transparency directive;...
A question for Isabelle Ferreras, Research Director at FNRS, Research Associate at Harvard and Oxford, and Professor of Sociology at the Catholic University of Louvain
The report on democracy at work, published by the committee of experts chaired by you, (see here) advocates granting European works councils a co-decision right covering artificial intelligence. Why?In its mission letter, the Spanish government asked us to broaden our...
An appeal for businesses to be democratised
On 5 February, the International High-level Expert Committee on Democracy at Work submitted its report to Yolanda Díaz, the Spanish Minister of Labour and Social Economy (see press release, executive summary and comprehensive summary).Some of what appears in the...
A question for Adam Pokorny, Head of Unit at DG Employment and Social Affairs
You oversaw the adoption of the EWC directive’s revision. This has now been published and it entered into force on 31 December. Is the Commission’s task now completed?No, absolutely not! The Commission’s task now is to provide its support to Member States, with a view...
Commission urged to protect workers from risks related to AI and algorithmic management
On 17 December, by a large majority (451 votes in favour, 45 against and 153 abstentions), the European Parliament adopted the report on Digitalisation, artificial intelligence and algorithmic management in the workplace – shaping the future of work.This report...
A question for Maxime Legrand, President of CEC European Managers
What subjects are discussed in the European social partners’ consultation on quality jobs, which you plan to mobilise around?Well, CEC European Managers’ view is that there are certainly a great many subjects to be tackled at the same time. We’re planning to focus...
Towards an epilogue in the landmark case of Verizon’s EWC
Ireland’s High Court has handed down an important judgment in the case brought by Jean-Philippe Charpentier, Verizon EWC Secretary against Verizon’s management. The High Court overturned the decision pronounced on appeal by the Labour Court, which had found entirely...
A question for…Roland Erne, Professor of European Integration and Employment Relations at University College Dublin
You believe that the Court of Justice had no choice other than to uphold the directive on adequate minimum wages?In my view – and this is a political analysis rather than a legal one – the Court of Justice couldn’t follow the opinion of its Advocate General by holding...
The Commission’s work programme for 2026
On 21 October, the European Commission published its work programme 2026, supplemented by an annex setting out the timetable, the texts under discussion and the texts to be evaluated or repealed (see press release). As far as social Europe is concerned, the programme...
A question for Nayla Glaise, President of Eurocadres
You’ve just been re-elected as President of Eurocadres, by a unanimous vote at the Congress held in Paris on 15 and 16 October. What goals have you set for your new term of office?For the immediate future, Eurocadres will be focusing on the “Quality Jobs Roadmap”,...
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