In November 1995, the EU Commission launched a Communication on Worker Information and Consultation. The communication sought the views of interested parties as to need and the methods for the development of worker information and consultation requirements in EU-based companies who were not subject to the provisions of the European Works Council Directive.
Following on reactions to its 1995 communication, the Commission, on 4 June 1997, launched first-phase consultations with the European Social Partners under the Agreement on Social Policy. Under the Agreement the social partners had six weeks to respond to the Commission.
The Commission has now decided to begin second-phase consultations — i.e. a request to the European social partners to enter into negotiations on a framework agreement on worker information and consultation in companies not covered by the European Works Council Directive.
These consultations are being launched by the Commission today — 6 November, 1997. In accordance with the Agreement on Social Policy the European Social Partners will have nine months in which to respond to the Commission's request to enter into negotiations. Should the social partners commence negotiations and reach a framework agreement the Council of Ministers is empowered to give legal effect to that agreement, if it so decides.