eWORK 2000 - European Telework Week

New Ways to Work 2000European TeleworkJoint Statement:EMPLOYERS AND TRADE UNIONS IN THE EUROPEAN TELECOM SECTORJOINT STATEMENT FOR THE LISBON SUMMITNew work organisation and skills for modernisation, growth and competitiveness in the InformationSocietyIntroductionMarch 2000The Employers and Trade Unions in the European telecommunications sector wish to contribute to thechallenges addressed by the Lisbon Summit, namely building a competitive and inclusive knowledge-basedeconomy in Europe.We consider the Information Society to be an opportunity that must be grasped by European economies andsocieties. This new economy will bring challenges and benefits to companies, employees and to society as awhole. In the digital marketplace where the flow and quality of data and information is crucial, thetelecommunications sector is a fundamental driver for the whole economy.In this context, the employers and the trade unions in the sector wish to make a joint contribution to theCommission's Communication "Strategies for Jobs in the Information Society". An active partnership betweenemployers and trade unions is essential to make the most of the opportunities ahead.Our contribution focuses on the key issues which, from the perspective of the Lisbon Summit, are ofparticular relevance for the employers and the trade unions. Training and the modernisation of workorganisation are the key elements to ensure the emergence of a better trained, more motivated and flexibleworkforce which will be the main asset for more efficient, modern and competitive companies and theEuropean economy as a whole.1. ICT Training for all employees: the learning organisationEmployees must be prepared to tackle the new technological challenges, while the companies, in a rapidlychanging environment, need a well trained, more flexible, satisfied and adaptable workforce. A focus onlearning and development with commitment and investment from governments, employers, employees andunions is essential to ensure that Europe has the right people with the right skills at the right time to exploitthe opportunities that the IT revolution will bring within national boundaries, on a pan European basis and inthe global markets that the communications industry is creating.Reskilling and training will enhance employability in a world of change, while increasing job satisfaction andcapacity to adapt to an ever changing environment in our dynamic industry which will be at the heart ofeconomic development. It is not an option for companies or employees, it is a matter of survival.However, upgrading and updating skills is not only a career decision, it is also a personal and lifestyle choice.Employees will benefit from their ICT skills at home with the internet providing ever increasing access to onlineinformation, entertainment, and education in a digital environment. This in itself will provide an extendedconsumer base and provide a further mutuality of interest between employers and employees.- 151 -