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European Works Councils

European Works Councils (EWCs) bring together employee representatives from different European countries where a multinational company operates. They provide a platform for representatives to be informed and consulted by central management on transnational issues affecting workers.

EWCs are based on Directive 94/45/EC, which applies to companies with more than 1,000 employees in the EEA and at least 150 in two Member States. The directive was updated in 2009 (2009/38/EC), but serious loopholes remain. Employers can still block or delay the creation of EWCs, workers are often consulted only after decisions are made, and confidentiality rules are frequently misused to restrict information. The directive is currently under revision.

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ON THE GROUND
The latest news on the issues affecting us all, and the actions we’re taking to improve our workers’ lives and futures.
News

ETF strengthens cross-border coordination with new restructuring guidelines

The ETF has published new guidelines to support unions and workers’ representatives during transnational company restructurings, providing practical tools and clear procedures for coordination and action when jobs and working conditions are at risk. In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, restructuring has become a routine feature of company strategy – often involving multiple countries and various forms.
European Works Councils
Statement

EWC Directive: MEPs must adopt its revision

After welcoming the democratic consensus reached during the trilogue negotiations on the revision of the European Works Council (EWC) Directive in May 2025, the ETF now urges MEPs to support the revised text in the plenary vote scheduled for Thursday, 9 October. The political agreement represents a significant step forward in strengthening workers’ rights in multinational companies across Europe. It enhances legal clarity for all stakeholders and simplifies the existing text by clarifying key definitions. We cannot turn back at this final stretch.
European Works Councils
Statement

The big EU deregulation: ETF Joins over 360 organisations in a Joint Statement on the Omnibus Package

The publication by the European Commission of its Omnibus proposal revising key corporate sustainability laws sends a clear political signal: President Ursula von der Leyen is deprioritising human rights, workers’ rights and environmental protections for the sake of dangerous deregulation. ETF joined over 360 organisations in a joint statement calling out on the consequences of this package.
European Works Councils
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PRIORITIES

At the 6th ETF Ordinary Congress in Budapest (2022), delegates adopted a work programme that strengthened ETF’s commitment to European Works Councils (EWCs).

ETF pledged to work directly with EWCs alongside its Sections and Committees—building joint capacity, developing research, addressing technical issues, and maintaining close links with shop stewards and members. Regular meetings will also be organised for those already active in EWCs or in companies where new councils could be created.

As part of the revision of the EWC Directive and ongoing negotiations, ETF continues to advocate for a stronger legislative framework—one that clearly recognises EU-level trade union and social partner organisations as the legitimate representatives of workers’ interests.

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WHAT WE DO

The ETF, together with other European Trade Union Federations (ETUFs), issued joint recommendations in June 2024. These provide guidance for trade union experts and worker representatives in Special Negotiating Bodies (SNBs) and EWCs, outlining how the revision of the directive affects both new negotiations and existing councils.

WHERE WE FOCUS

While the transport and logistics sectors are not among those with the most EWCs, many large multinational companies in these industries already have one. The ETF has seen the number of EWCs in transport grow in recent years, reflecting the cross-border nature of the sector and the potential for further expansion.

For more information, visit the ETUI website or consult the EWC database for company-specific details.

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OUR PEOPLE

ETF provides practical support, advise and training to SNB and EWC members. ETF’s role can be broad and will vary according to the individual cases and requests of affiliates.

Several levels are involved:

  • The Executive Committee is responsible for formulating and safeguarding the overall political framework for EWC coordination.
  • The Secretariat manages the trade union coordination for EWC policy. A designated staff member oversees this task. Coordination includes communication with affiliated organisations, ETF sections, the SNB, EWC members, the experts and the company management.
  • The EWC Coordination Group facilitates direct communication and consultation between the ETF Secretariat and affiliated organizations regarding EWC matters. This group comprises trade union representatives interested in EWCs and EWC coordinators.
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