Dialogue between management and labour

The particular responsibility of employers and employees has been referred to on many occasions. In its action programme, the Commission suggests two ways in which management and labour can create a ‘Europe of industrial relations’. At European level, the social dialogue should cover subjects of general internal market policy, such as social security, equality of treatment, training and further training. It is also considered desirable that contacts be decentralised to the sectoral level. In this way, the agreements reached during the Val Duchesse discussions could be fleshed out and implemented at the level of Member States, branches or particularly affected areas.

In view of the considerable changes faced by economies in the industrial technological and social spheres, the two sides of industry have an important part to play in regulating the process of completing the internal market. Management and labour must recognise that they share the responsibility for dealing with these changes. This must also be accepted at sectoral level. Both sides of industry must overcome any internal differences and inconsistencies. The Commission cannot be expected to do this. As the representatives of employers’ and employees’ organisations are partly responsible for shaping the social dimension, it is imperative that they break with old traditions and learn to think in new ways.

An intensive exchange of ideas between management and labour, governments and the Commission can be beneficial in this process.