Workers’ rights strengthened amid gloomy economic statistics

«Current statistics confirm that the economic crisis is affecting growth and jobs throughout the EU. Industrial new orders were down by 6.3% in October compared with September and the real agricultural income per worker was down by 4.3% in 2008 compared with 2007.The EU external trade deficit in October amounted to €17.1bn. To restore confidence and mitigate the effects of the crisis on the real economy, the Quarterly Report on the Euro Area emphasised that a swift and coordinated implementation of the European Economic Recovery Plan is necessary. Meanwhile, the EU is strengthening workers’ rights to help them cope. For example, the role of European Works Councils has been improved to better inform and consult workers during restructuring. In addition, 300 000 maritime workers across the EU are to benefit from better working conditions.»

Source

http://ec.europa.eu/growthandjobs/index_en.htm