TRADE UNIONS PICK HOLES IN NATIONAL ECONOMIC REFORM PLANS.

• Position: European Trade Union Confederation - Brief article

Weaknesses in employment strategies and too little worker consultation are the two major shortcomings highlighted by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) in the national reform plans drafted by the member states under the revised Lisbon Strategy and the subject of a report presented by the European Commission on January 25.

In a statement published the same day, the ETUC presents its preliminary evaluation of these plans based on reactions from affiliated trade unions:

- Consultation with trade unions has been largely superficial because the time allocated was too short and because the process is driven by departments that are not familiar with social dialogue.

- The previous employment strategy has been watered down. Precise targets on active but positive labour market policies are not broadly taken up by the national reform plans.

- There is a tendency to focus on even more labour market flexibility without paying much attention to the security of the workforce.

- Only a few national reform plans identify social cohesion objectives as a key concern.

- Targets on...