BELGIANS TEST SOCIAL MEDIATION IDEA.

The Belgian Presidency will advocate the idea of a team of European Social Mediators to advise employers and employees during corporate restructuring in its six-month stint in the EU hotseat. The Belgian Minister for Employment and new President of Council Laurette Onkelinx, vetted European Social Affairs Ministers on the idea at an informal meeting in Liege on July 6 and 7. Mrs Onkelinx hopes to gather support for a system of independent European conciliators, chosen by both employers and employees, which would step in to mediate in cases of mass job cuts. "We want to see if we can get agreement on the idea, and address any fears it may raise", she said at a briefing on July 6.The other EU Ministers reacted coolly to the Belgian idea, saying it was an interesting idea, but that they would need more details on how it would work in practice, and what added value it could provide. The European Commission says that it might be feasible on an ad hoc basis, when managers and workers feel the need for out-side help. But as it could only be a non binding advisory body, it would not have much of a role in the most difficult cases when employers are ignoring EU legislation, as managers would not be willing to invite them in the first place. The mediators could have a role behind the scenes to help the European Social Partners get through difficult negotiations, such as those on temporary agency work. The UK Minister Alistair Darling said it would not be appropriate for the...