91997E1881

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1881/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (2 June 1997)

Subject: Development of the social dialogue

The Commission has issued a 'Communication concerning the Development of the Social Dialogue at Community Level' (COM(96) 0448 final).

As regards the sectoral social dialogue, various aspects must be taken into consideration for the social dialogue to be developed further at sectoral level. Effectiveness is an important factor but consideration must also be given to the contribution which can be made to improving labour relations in Europe. The efficient management of costs must also be considered although this cannot be the sole criterion.

Will the Commission therefore allocate sufficient funds, for which there is currently no provision, to the sectoral social dialogue?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (15 July 1997)

The Commission recognises the importance of the sectoral dimension of the social dialogue, which makes it possible to take the specific features of each economic activity into account, and of its contribution to the improvement of industrial relations in Europe.

In his closing address at the conference on the future of the social dialogue held on 28-29 April 1997, the Member of the Commission responsible for social affairs reiterated the importance of the sectoral social dialogue and confirmed the Commission's desire to support it.

Some 20 sectors have developed Community-level dialogue, through joint committees or informal working parties. They receive substantial financial and logistical support from the Commission, which organises around 150 sectoral social dialogue meetings each year. Furthermore, budget heading B3-4000 includes an amount of ECU 5 million for 1997 for funding measures to promote the development of the social dialogue at both sectoral and cross-industrial level.

In its Communication concerning the development of the social dialogue at Community level, the Commission refers to the need to seek ways of improving the operation and results of the sectoral social dialogue whilst promoting the more efficient use of resources.

Consequently, the Commission suggests that the sectoral social dialogue should focus on strategic sectors and issues, with the strengthening of cooperation and coordination within the Commission in respect of consultation procedures. These various aspects will be the subject of the second Communication on the development of the social dialogue at Community level.