European Confederation of the Leather Industry

European Trade Union Federation:
Textile, Clothing and Leather

Better Articulation of the Social Sectoral Dialogue at EU/National level

Early 2003, the Social Partners of the Leather industry at European level submitted a project proposal on the topic of “articulation” of the social dialogue in the sector and exploring how it can be improved. The proposal was approved for funding under the EU B3-4000 budget line.

Experts from both sides of the industry were identified by the Social Partners for participating in an exercise that would 

-          map the present situation of the social dialogue at various levels through individual or joint national reports based on a common template;

-          examine a report gathering all the information obtained from the industry (both sides) and from other sources (comparisons with other dialogues, inter-professional dialogue); 

-          discuss in a specific workshop the conclusions to be drawn from this report and articulate recommendations for follow-up to be submitted to the Committee of the Social Sectoral Dialogue Tanning/Leather.

The report that was drawn up on the basis of the national reports proved to be a valid instrument for structuring the subject and furthering understanding on both sides of the industry with regard to the concept of “articulation”.

click here to download the working document (doc).

The workshop was divided in two parts. One meeting was linked to a meeting of the Committee of the Social Dialogue (Brussels, 15 April 2003), and the other was held after a reflection period (Brussels, 30 June 2003) keeping into account the fact that it had to take place before the next meeting of the Committee (Brussels 9 September 2003).

The output of the workshop was a recommendation to the Committee to discuss and endorse an Indicative Action Plan for the years 2003-2006 where an improved articulation of the social dialogue can be of particular interest.

click here to download the draft Indicative Action Plan (doc).

The Committee of the Social Sectoral Dialogue Tanning/Leather acted throughout the project as an accompanying body steering the development of activities. The meeting of the Committee that took place on September 9, 2003 examined the result of the project, discussed the Indicative Action Plan and decided to approve it provided all Committee members confirm their adoption after the meeting and in particular those members that were excused.