Industrial Relations in Europe 2012 - European Commission - Europa

Chapter 8: Review of European labour legislation 2010 – 2012
During the period 2010-2012, European legislative efforts focused on evaluation and
review of the current labour law in line with the Europe 2020 strategy and 'smart'
regulation principles, with new processes such as 'fitness checks' taking place for the first
time. The European health and safety strategy was subject to a comprehensive evaluation
process. 'Soft' instruments, such as guidelines or best practices, were also promoted in this
area. A number of negotiated social partners' agreements were successfully concluded.
Important legislative initiatives included the proposals for an Enforcement Directive
(Posting of workers) and for minimum health and safety requirements as regards exposure
of workers to electromagnetic fields.
8.1 Introduction
In line with its Europe 2020 strategy, the Commission set out its priorities in the employment
field in its "Agenda for new skills and jobs" flagship105: A better-functioning labour market;
a more skilled workforce; better job quality and working conditions; and stronger policies to
promote job creation and demand for labour. Whilst acknowledging that the working
environment plays a crucial role in enhancing the potential of the workforce and is a leading
competitiveness factor, the Commission pointed to the mixed results on job quality across the
EU over the past decade. In particular, working conditions have deteriorated during the crisis.
The Commission response consisted of a number of interlinked activities. It is reviewing EU
legislation and promoting 'soft' instruments; developing a smarter EU legal framework for
employment and health and safety at work; and focusing on a strategic approach based on
'soft' instruments and on close involvement of the social partners.
Within this context, the Commission announced that it would review the working time
Directive and make a legislative proposal aiming at improving the implementation of the
posting of workers Directive. In the area of health and safety at work, it will undertake the
final evaluation of the EU Strategy 2007-2012, and on this basis propose a follow-up strategy
for the period 2013-2020. In addition, it will review the effectiveness of EU legislation in the
area of information and consultation of workers, as well as the EU Directives on part-time
work and fixed-term contracts.
This chapter provides a comprehensive review of the developments at EU level in the fields of
labour law and health and safety at work during the past two years. It highlights legislative
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