Workers should look to EU directive
The pace of developments in technology and industrial practice is intensive and rapid.
The activities of some foreign companies are reaching crisis point as far as workers are concerned. The excuse that rationalisation, merger or takeover will ensure the survival of a factory only shows that the workers are pawns.
It is time to highlight EU Directive 187 (1977) which stipulates that where a company is taken over by another the employees of both must be consulted.
In particular they must be given:
1 The reasons for the transfer of the business.
2 The legal, economic and social implication for the employees.
3 The measures envisaged in relation to the implications for employees.
This information must be given in good time and there must be consultation with a view to seeking an agreement.
Michael J Stokes,
2, Willington Green,
Templeogue,
Dublin 6W.
