What it sis it III The directive is part of a
Page 41
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
much wider piece of legislation that includes a range of matters from the co-ordination of social security systems to noise, health and safety requirements for workers to equal treatment for men and women in employment.
The right to information and consultation covers: information on the recent and probable future development of the company and the current economic situation; information on the situation, structure and probable development of employment and on any measures that are being considered, especially if there is a threat to employment; information on decisions that are likely to lead to substantial changes in work organisation and contractual relations.
The directive also stipulates that consultation shall take place when the timing, method and content are appropriate; that it shall be at the relevant level of management; that it shall be on the basis of relevant information supplied by the employer. In addition it has to take into account the opinion of the employees' representatives, and it must be conducted in such a way that enables employees' representatives to meet with the employer and obtain a response from the employer, and to then find out the reasons for that response.