eWORK 2000 - European Telework Week

New Ways to Work 2000European TeleworkThe telecommunications operators have already devoted a substantial amount of resources to providinglearning and development to their employees. In turn, many employees have made use of their own financialresources and their own time in order to upgrade their skills.This process in which companies and employees have mutually committed to continuous development andtraining must be further consolidated. The trade unions and the employers consider that the Lisbon Summit isthe opportunity to strengthen both parties’ commitment to this objective:The employers and the trade unions wish to confirm that they will work together so that by the end of theyear 2001, every employee in every company will have the opportunity to raise their awareness of ICTand receive essential ICT training on a commitment for commitment basis.2. Certification of training in ICTThe implementation of certification mechanisms would provide a means of validating ICT skills and enhanceemployee employability within the broader employment market. The employers and the unions in the sectorbelieve that skills certification is crucial and further that the prospect of pan European certification should beexamined.The employers and trade unions will work together with the education sector in order to examine thescope for introduction of European certification together with ensuring that all employees who haveobtained relevant ICT skills are able to enjoy a high level of portability of their skills through recognitionin all EU companies.3. Use of Internet as a training tool: learning by doingICT training of all employees and certification of their skills will be facilitated by the use of the technologyitself. The Internet is an ideal vehicle for delivering the ICT training and education to the Information Societyworkforce.The employers and trade unions believe that they must cooperate to develop on-line training and education thatis responsive to ongoing changes in the sector and is readily accessible to employees.The employers and trade unions will work together in order to promote the use of Internet based ICTtraining within the sector, leading to certified and portable qualifications for all employees.4. Modernisation of work organisation: a new workplaceRapid changes in the competitive environment coupled with the development of new technologies call for themodernisation of work organisation. The employers and the trade unions are aware of the fact that thetelecommunications environment has changed considerably and both parties need to adapt to take advantage ofthe new opportunities and challenges.A new paradigm of work is developing with opportunities to create new and higher quality jobs which are lessdependent on location. New technologies, global competition, rapid economic changes and speed and volumeof information call for flexible and adaptable work relationships and organisation.Telework constitutes a new form of work organisation which is particularly important for the sector. Itsincreasing use is a clear sign of a necessary trend towards a more flexible and mobile workplace.- 152 -