Publications

AK and ÖGB Study on “Women and the economic crisis: Integrating social services to safeguard social wellbeing and to promote economic growth”

[04-11-2011]

Studies | Social

PowerPoint Presentation by Univ.-Prof. Gudrun Biffl "Woman and the economic crisis: Integrating social services to safeguard social wellbeing and to promote economic growth"

[03-11-2011]

Presentations | Social

PowerPoint Presentation by Elisabetta Zanon "Going for care, going for growth: The NHS Childcare Strategy"

[02-11-2011]

Presentations | Social

PowerPoint Presentation by Tine Rostgaard "Going for care, going for growth: The Nordic Approach"

[02-11-2011]

Studies | Social

The Federal Chamber of Labour (BAK) makes the following comments regarding individual points in the proposal for a directive to protect workers against the hazards of electromagnetic fields (EMF) in the workplace of 14 June 2011:

Proposal for a Directive concerning minimum requirements to protect the health and safety of workers against the risks arising from physical agents (electromagnetic fields)

[22-09-2011]

Policy Papers | Social

We generally support the initiative of the European Commission to launch a Europe-wide, public discussion and consultation on how adequate, sustainable and safe pensions can be guaranteed and how the EU can best support national efforts.

Green Paper towards adequate, sustainable and safe European pension systems

[09-12-2010]

Policy Papers | Social

The Chamber of Labour of Vienna asked Univ. Prof. Dr. Rebhahn to research in a study which initiatives for minimum standards might be conceivable and promising towards further European Labour Law Minimum Standards. “Minimum standards” refers to normative requirements of the Union, wherefrom the Member States may deviate solely to the benefit of employees.

Considerations on Further European Labour Law Minimum Standards

[27-10-2010]

Studies | Social

On 13.07.2010, the EU Commission has submitted a proposal for a Directive on intra corporate transfer. The purpose of this proposal is to harmonise the regulations on the admission of employees, who are transferred by a company with seat outside the EU to a company of the same corporate group within the Union, throughout the EU.

AK position paper on the proposal for a Directive of intra corporate transfer

[13-10-2010]

Policy Papers | Social

On 13.07.2010, the EU Commission has submitted a proposal for a Directive on seasonal work. The purpose of this proposal is to harmonise the regulations on the admission of thirdcountry seasonal migrants across the EU.

AK position paper on the proposal for a Directive on seasonal employment

[12-10-2010]

Policy Papers | Social

From the point of view of the employees, the introduction of the European Citizens‘ Initiative (ECI) represents one of the most important innovations of the Treaty of Lisbon. The ECI has the potential to reduce the often diagnosed gulf between the EU and its citizens. In an overall evaluation of the Treaty of Lisbon, the AK too regards its introduction as an important criterion for endorsing the new primary legislation structure of the EU.

AK position paper on the European Citizens‘ Initiative

[06-10-2010]

Policy Papers | Social

The AK supports the idea of strengthening the European Neighbourhood Policy. It prefers multilateral WTO negotiations to bilateral free trade negotiations (FTA) currently held by the EU and insists on policy coherence in trade policy concerning the compliance with international agreements in particular with regard to human and labour rights. Basically, liberalisations require redistribution mechanisms so that the foreign trade contribution – worldwide, but also within the EU – is distributed more fairly. We welcome the importance attached to environmental and social standards in the current bilateral trading strategy of the EU; the proposed sustainability chapters, however, have to be furnished with effective enforcement mechanisms.

AK position paper on the Public Consultation on a Future Trade Policy

[18-08-2010]

Policy Papers | Social - Economic

The Treaty of Lisbon and the economic and financial crisis demand new economic and social policy perspectives for Europe. The mistake must not be repeated that EU policies are predominantly oriented towards location competition and that large parts of the budget are allocated to particular interests such as agriculture. The EU citizens also want to see the realisation of a social Europe. That is why the objectives of the EU 2020 Strategy on employment and combating poverty have to be translated into action, hence they have to be considered in the next EU financial framework.

AK position paper on the Financial Framework 2014+: Renewing structures, promoting a more social Europe!

[28-05-2010]

Policy Papers | Social - Economic

The Europe 2020 Integrated Guidelines, presented by the Commission, will for years determine important policy areas at both European and national level. Their concrete scope and content is therefore of central importance for the success of the EU 2020 Strategy.

AK position paper on the EU 2020 Strategy - Europe 2020 Integrated Guidelines

[26-05-2010]

Policy Papers | Economic - Social

The coming into force of the Lisbon Treaty does significantly upgrade the role of the European Parliament (EP) in Trade Policy. This concerns both the information rights of the EP and its codecision competence. Hence, the Parliament will in future play a significant role in international relationships, provided these have a trade policy component. Thus, the political groups of the EP are getting the opportunity of raising their profile and to demand that labour and environmental minimum standards become the touchstone in the planned chapters on Sustainable Development for concluding trade agreements.

AK position paper: Yes to binding sustainability chapter! New codecision competence of the European Parliament for Trade Policy should be actively used for social and environmental standards!

[11-03-2010]

Policy Papers | Transport & Environment - Social - Economic

From the point of view of employees, the introduction of the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) represents one of the most important innovations of the Treaty of Lisbon. The ECI has the potential to narrow the frequently diagnosed gap between the EU and its citizens.

AK position paper on the Green Paper on the European Citizens’ Initiative

[27-01-2010]

Policy Papers | Social

The EU 2020 strategy follows the current Lisbon strategy, which according to the Commission has contributed to overcoming the current crisis. A bold claim that does not stand up to reality. Even before the outbreak of the worst financial and economic crisis, the EU had been far away from many Lisbon targets. The recession made the target date of 2010 completely unrealistic.

AK position paper on the Consultation on the future EU 2020 Strategy

[26-01-2010]

Policy Papers | Social

The first years of experience with Brussels I have shown that the Regulation essentially guarantees a well functioning European system of jurisdiction in civil and commercial matters. However, not least cases, which had to be decided by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), have made it obvious that the current Regulation has some weaknesses and gaps. The need for reform resulting from this is particularly urgent as above all those sections identify problem areas, in which the “weakest party” [should] be protected by rules of jurisdiction, which are more favourable to them than the general regulation”.

AK position paper on the Green Paper on the Review of Regulation (EC) No. 44/2001 - Brussels I Regulation

[16-11-2009]

Policy Papers | Social

Using the Communication on the Stockholm Programme, the EU Commission introduces a draft for a programme that should form the basis for the policy in the field of justice and internal affairs for the next five years. This proposed new multi-annual programme in the field “Area of freedom, security and justice”, in particular the deliberations on the further development of the migration policy, are of significantly great interest for the Chamber of Labour.

AK position paper on the Stockholm Programme

[11-09-2009]

Policy Papers | Social

For decades, Austria and other EU States have been confronted with immigration. In order to support a positive handling of this reality it is the intention to promote long-term and sustainable information, dialogue and awareness raising initiatives. This includes among others also the appreciation of the many languages spoken by the migrants.

AK position on the Green Paper on Migration and Mobility: Challenges and opportunities for EU Education Systems

[22-07-2009]

Policy Papers | Social

In contrast to earlier customs, this Green paper does name the “influential factors and possible need for action” in advance and does not contain - as is customary - a catalogue of questions which would be authoritative for the statement.

AK position on the EU Workforce for Health

[21-04-2009]

Policy Papers | Social

Study Group Europe - Paving the Way for a Sustainable European Prosperity Strategy, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung International Policy Analysis

Paving the Way for a Sustainable European Prosperity Strategy

[10-03-2010]

Studies | Social

Presentation of Erik Händeler

Presentation "Die Geschichte der Zukunft" by Erik Händeler, Author of „The history of the future – social behaviour and the wealth of tomorrow” (only available in German)

Presentations | Social

Presentation of Hans Preinfalk

Presentation by Hans Preinfalk, AK Upper Austria "Climate of Work, Quality of Work and Economic Developement - New Social Benchmarks for Europe" for the conference on "Work Climate & Economic Development " in Brussels, 24-2-2010

Presentations | Social

Conference Documents "Work Climate & Economic Development", Brussels 24-2-2010

Presentations | Social

Presentation of Georg Michenthaler

Presentation by Georg Michenthaler, IFES "Die Qualität der Arbeit messen - the "Austrian Work Climate Index“" for the conference on "Work Climate & Economic Development " in Brussels, 24-2-2010 (only in German)

Presentations | Social

The AK welcomes the legislative initiatives of the European Commission on a better reconciliation between professional and family-life. In the opinion of the AK, these initiatives must not be restricted to the Directive on maternity protection but should also include the Parental Leave Directive 96/34/EC and the Equal Treatment Directive 2002/54/EC.

Proposal of the European Commission for a revision of the directive on maternity leave

[03-02-2009]

Policy Papers | Social

In March 2008, the European Council invited the Member States to give their initial thoughts on the future of the Lisbon strategy for the period beyond 2010. AK is of the opinion, that the general Lisbon goal – “for the European Union to become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world” – is formulated as a declaration of war and should be replaced by a positive wording that might read as follows: “The goal is for Europe to become a dynamic knowledge-based economy that furnishes proof of the fact that high competitiveness is compatible with full employment, social security and sustainable development”.

AK position on the Future of the Lisbon strategy

[03-12-2008]

Policy Papers | Social

The planned Directive pursues the aim of codifying ECJ case-law on crossborder healthcare. The AK underlines that in case of a sharp increase in the cross-border utilisation of healthcare, it must be ensured that it leads neither to one-sided cost burdens for Member States, nor that national healthcare or the national services offered on which this healthcare is based suffer from the fact that patients request healthcare abroad in droves.

Proposal for a Directive on the application of patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare

[21-10-2008]

Policy Papers | Social

In July 2008, the European Commission proposed a Directive on the establishment of a European Works Council or a procedure in Community-scale undertakings and Community-scale groups of undertakings for the purposes of informing and consulting employees.

Proposal on the establishment of a European Works Council

[17-10-2008]

Policy Papers | Social

The aim of this proposal is to implement the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation outside the labour market. It sets out a framework for the prohibition of discrimination on these grounds and establishes a uniform minimum level of protection within the European Union for people who have suffered such discrimination.

Proposal for a Council Directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation

[17-10-2008]

Policy Papers | Social

In July 2008, the European Commission submitted a communication on "A renewed commitment to social Europe: Reinforcing the Open Method of Coordination for Social Protection and Social Inclusion".

Communication from the European Commission on reinforcing the open method of coordination for social protection and social inclusion

[17-10-2008]

Policy Papers | Social

The European Commission has created a new generation of bilateral trade and investment agreements within the scope of the “Global Europe” strategy in order to strengthen market penings at a bilateral level after the liberalisation efforts have waned within the World Trade Organisation. In the opinion of the Commission, this new generation of agreements shall fulfil several objectives.

Social Standards in Sustainability Chapters of Bilateral Free Trade Agreements

[29-06-2010]

Studies | Social

Presentation of Karin Lukas and Astrid Steinkellner on the occasion of the panel discussion "Free Trade Agreements: the need for compulsory labour and social rights" by AK EUROPA and ÖGB Europabüro on the 29th of June 2010 in Brussels

Social Norms in Sustainability Chapters of Bilateral Free Trade Agreements

[29-06-2010]

Presentations | Social

The study “Designing and financing labour market policies: an international comparison”, of the Chamber of Labour investigated the success of labour market policy strategies in countries on a par with Austria. Using the strategies of Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom as examples, it ascertained which strategies could be considered “best practice”, what effects certain strategies have and what can be deduced from this for the labour market policy in Austria.

Successful labour market strategies in Europe – a comparison

[10-06-2008]

Policy Papers | Social

Security mechanisms and risk distribution in occupational pension schemes - A comparison of countries

[17-04-2009]

Table overview to the same titled study (only in German available)

Studies | Social

The study compares occupational pension schemes in Austria with six European countries and focuses on schemes funded within the company itself (book reserve schemes) or externally (capital funded), defined contribution or defined benefit schemes, guaranteed minimum yield in defined-contribution schemes, and the calculation of pension levels / indexation of entitlements.

Security mechanisms and risk distribution in occupational pension schemes - A comparison of countries

[16-04-2009]

Studies | Social

The distribution of risk in UK pension funds

[16-04-2009]

Presentations | Social

Distribution of risk in Dutch pension funds

[16-04-2009]

Presentations | Social

In October 2007, the EU Commission submitted a proposal for a so-called “EU Blue Card”, a directive concerning the immigration of highly qualified third-country workers. The migration of highly qualified third-country workers should receive the same framework throughout the EU thanks to this directive.

Proposal for a directive on the conditions for entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of highly qualified employment (“Blue Card Directive”)

[09-04-2008]

Policy Papers | Social

In October 2007, the EU Commission submitted a proposal for a so-called framework directive, a directive for a single application procedure and a “set of rights”.

Proposal for a directive on a single application procedure for a single permit for third-country nationals to reside and work in the territory of a Member State and on a common set of rights for third-country workers legally residing in a Member State

[08-04-2008]

Policy Papers | Social

AK welcomes the European Commission’s commitment to combating poverty and social exclusion as part of the European Year 2010.

European Year for combating poverty and social exclusion

[19-02-2008]

Policy Papers | Social

AK welcomes measures for the inclusion of individuals disconnected from the labour market. We demand the Commission to develop an integrated approach and to ensure special measures for women, young people and for individuals who run a high risk of poverty.

Modernising social protection for the active inclusion of people furthest from the labour market

[18-02-2008]

Policy Papers | Social

The quality of working relationships within knowledge societies of the 21st century is an important, some would say, decisive productive force. This and the question how this productivity factor is measured and how the results of such measurements could be harnessed for the economic and social policy of the European Union will be addressed by the conference.

Conference Programme "Work Climate and Economic Development"

[03-02-2010]

Presentations | Social

Statement concerning the political position of the Austrian Trade Union Federation of Mr. Franz Friehs on the occasion of the AK and ÖGB Expert Workshop on the topic "Transitional Arrangements on the free Movement of Workers" held on 1 December 2008 in Brussels.

Statement of Franz Friehs

[05-12-2008]

Presentations | Social

Presentation of Johannes Peyrl

Presentation of Mr. Johannes Peyrl on the occasion of the AK and ÖGB Expert Workshop on the topic "Transitional Arrangements on the free Movement of Workers" held on 1 December 2008 in Brussels.

Presentations | Social

Article of Günther Chaloupek and Johannes Peyrl

Article "Policies and practices with respect to cross border labour migration in Austria after EU enlargement in 2004" of Mr. Günther Chaloupek and Mr. Johannes Peyrl on the occasion of the AK and ÖGB Expert Workshop on the topic "Transitional Arrangements on the free Movement of Workers" held on 1 December 2008 in Brussels.

Presentations | Social

Presentation of Jackie Morin

Presentation "The impact of free movement of workers in the context of EU enlargement" of Jackie Morin from the European Commission on the occasion of the AK and ÖGB Expert Workshop on the topic "Transitional Arrangements on the free Movement of Workers" held on 1 December 2008 in Brussels.

Presentations | Social

Presentation of Univ. Prof. Gudrun Biffl

Presentation "Current labour market situation in Austria and challenges of migration" of Univ. Prof. Gudrun Biffl from the Austrian Institute of Economic Research on the occasion of the AK and ÖGB Expert Workshop on the topic "Transitional Arrangements on the free Movement of Workers" held on 1 December 2008 in Brussels.

Presentations | Social

Teaching aids on migration policy of Katharina Erdmenger

Teaching aids on migration policy "Arbeitnehmerfreizügigkeit und Dienstleistungsfreiheit – Begleitmaßnahmen für die zweite Phase der Übergangsfristen" of Katharina Erdmenger from the DGB on the occasion of the AK and ÖGB Expert Workshop on the topic "Transitional Arrangements on the free Movement of Workers" held on 1 December 2008 in Brussels. Only in German available!

Presentations | Social

Evaluation on the action program of the Federal Government of Katharina Erdmenger

Evaluation on the action program of the Federal Government "Beitrag der Arbeitsmigration zur Sicherung der Fachkräftebasis in Deutschland" of Ms Katharina Erdmenger from the DGB on the occasion of the AK and ÖGB Expert Workshop on the topic "Transitional Arrangements on the free Movement of Workers" held on 1 December 2008 in Brussels. Only in German available!

Presentations | Social

The fight against undeclared work and the associated exploitation of workers is a matter of considerable concern for the AK.

Proposal for a Directive providing for sanctions against employers of illegally staying third-country nationals

[02-11-2007]

Policy Papers | Social

Owing to the EU’s primary law structure, the main responsibility for “social reality” still lies with the Member States.

Consultation Paper "The Social Reality in Europe"

[16-10-2007]

Policy Papers | Social

The Federal Chamber of Labour rejects the introduction of a circular migration model as it is aimed largely at a Europe-wide seasonal migrant model.

Circular migration – “Issues Paper on Circular Migration”

[20-09-2007]

Policy Papers | Social

Flexibility should not be understood only in terms of employer interests

Towards Common Principles of Flexicurity: More and better jobs through flexibility and security

[12-09-2007]

Policy Papers | Social

As is the case in other documents from the European Commission, in particular the Communication from April 2006 on the posting of workers, a one-sided view is taken. The main priority is to remove putative restrictions or restraints for companies that post workers abroad.

Posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services

[23-08-2007]

Policy Papers | Social

AK Position on the Green Paper "Modernising Labour Law"

[18-06-2007]

“Modernisation” of labour law must not lead to a worsening of labour law standards

Policy Papers | Social

AK believes that ECVET offers opportunities to achieve greater transparency

AK Position on the ECVET Consultation Document

[18-06-2007]

Policy Papers | Social

Presentation of Dr Josef Wöss on the AK EUROPA and ÖGB Europabüro panel discussion: Denographich change: An urgent challenge in the crisis? held on the 24th November 2009. Only available in German!

Presentation of Dr. Josef Wöss

[25-11-2009]

Presentations | Social

Presentation of Joao Nogueira Martins on the AK EUROPA and ÖGB Europabüro panel discussion: Denographic change: An urgent challenge in the crisis? held on the 24th November 2009. Only available in English!

Presentation of Joao Nogueira Martins

[25-11-2009]

Presentations | Social

Presentation of Christoph Hermann on the occasion of the AK EUROPA and ÖGB Europabüro panel discussion on the held on the topic "After the liberalisation of the postal market: better jobs or more working poor?" 6 October 2009 in Brussels.

Presentation "Employment relationships in liberalised postal markets – Austrian and European findings" of Christoph Hermann

[06-10-2009]

Presentations | Social

Research report commissioned by the Chamber of Labour for Vienna, Austria

Employment Relationships of the new Postal Service Providers

[06-10-2009]

Studies | Social

Presentation of Univ. Doz. Dr. Onaran on the occasion of the AK EUROPA panel discussion on 24 Jun 2008 on the topic "The Effects of Globalisation on Employment and Income Distribution".

Presentation of Univ. Doz. Dr. Onaran

[27-06-2008]

Presentations | Social

Presentation of Dr Margit Köppen on the occasion of the AK EUROPA panel discussion on 24 Jun 2008 on the topic "The Effects of Globalisation on Employment and Income Distribution".

Presentation of Dr. Margit Köppen

[27-06-2008]

Presentations | Social

Presentation of Ralf Jacob on the occasion of the AK EUROPA panel discussion on 24 Jun 2008 on the topic "The Effects of Globalisation on Employment and Income Distribution".

Presentation of Ralf Jacob

[27-06-2008]

Presentations | Social

We would like to stress that socially responsible corporate behaviour requires legal norms and norms for collective agreements.

Corporate Social Responsibility: A business contribution to Sustainable Development

[24-05-2007]

Policy Papers | Social