Employee Representation
Expert-defined terms from the Specialist Certification in Employment Law in the European Union course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
**Acquired Rights Directive (ARD)** #
**Acquired Rights Directive (ARD)**
The Acquired Rights Directive (ARD) is a European Union (EU) directive that aims… #
The ARD is implemented in the UK through the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006, commonly known as TUPE. The ARD ensures that employees' rights, including terms and conditions of employment, are preserved when a business undergoes a transfer, and that they are informed and consulted about the transfer.
**Collective Redundancies Directive (CRD)** #
**Collective Redundancies Directive (CRD)**
The Collective Redundancies Directive (CRD) is a European Union (EU) directive t… #
The CRD applies to employers who are planning to make redundant 20 or more employees within a 90-day period. The CRD aims to protect the rights of employees and ensure that they are informed and consulted about redundancies in a timely manner.
**Collective Bargaining** #
**Collective Bargaining**
Collective bargaining is a process of negotiation between employers and employee… #
Collective bargaining is a fundamental right in the European Union (EU) and is considered a key mechanism for ensuring fair and equitable treatment of employees. The EU encourages social dialogue and collective bargaining as a means of promoting social partnership and resolving labor disputes.
**Data Protection Directive (DPD)** #
**Data Protection Directive (DPD)**
The Data Protection Directive (DPD) is a European Union (EU) directive that sets… #
The DPD requires that personal data be processed fairly and lawfully, and that individuals have the right to access and control their personal data. The DPD has been replaced by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which provides stronger protections for personal data and imposes stricter requirements on data controllers and processors.
**Discrimination** #
**Discrimination**
Acquired Rights Directive #
A European Union (EU) directive that protects employees' rights when a business undergoes a change of ownership. It ensures that employees retain their rights and benefits, such as employment terms and conditions, even if the new employer tries to change them.
Collective Bargaining #
A process where employers and employees negotiate terms and conditions of employment, such as wages, working hours, and benefits, through their representatives. This is a form of employee representation that aims to reach an agreement that benefits both parties.
Consultation #
A process of exchanging information and opinions between employers and employees, allowing employees to express their views on matters that affect them in the workplace. Consultation is a form of employee representation that helps to build trust and cooperation between employers and employees.
Discrimination #
The unfair treatment of employees based on certain protected characteristics, such as age, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Discrimination is prohibited by EU law and can take many forms, including direct and indirect discrimination, harassment, and victimization.
Directive #
A legislative act of the EU that sets out a goal that all member states must achieve, but leaves it to the individual countries to decide how to achieve it. Directives are used to harmonize laws across the EU and ensure that the same rights and protections are available to all workers.
Employee Consultation Committees #
A body made up of employee representatives and employers, who meet regularly to discuss issues that affect the workplace. These committees provide a formal structure for employee representation and give employees a voice in decision-making processes.
European Works Council #
A body that represents the interests of employees in large companies operating in multiple EU countries. The European Works Council provides a platform for information and consultation on transnational issues, such as restructuring, mergers, and closures.
Health and Safety #
The conditions and measures that are put in place to protect the physical and mental well-being of employees in the workplace. Health and safety is a fundamental right of all workers and is governed by EU law.
Human Resources #
The department or function within a company that is responsible for managing the employment relationship between the company and its employees. Human resources plays a key role in employee representation by ensuring that employees are treated fairly and that their rights are protected.
Industrial Action #
A collective response by employees to an issue or dispute in the workplace, such as strikes, boycotts, or work-to-rule. Industrial action is a form of employee representation that allows employees to express their concerns and demand change.
Information and Consultation #
A process of providing employees with information about the company and consulting with them on issues that affect the workplace. Information and consultation is a form of employee representation that helps to build trust and cooperation between employers and employees.
Job Security #
The protection of employees against arbitrary dismissal or redundancy. Job security is a fundamental right of all workers and is governed by EU law.
Redundancy #
The termination of employment due to a reduction in the workforce or the closure of a business. Redundancy is a complex area of employment law and is governed by EU directives and national laws.
Social Dialogue #
A process of negotiation and consultation between employers and employees at the European level. Social dialogue is used to develop EU policies and legislation on employment and social issues.
Trade Union #
An organization that represents the interests of employees in a particular industry or sector. Trade unions play a key role in employee representation by negotiating collective agreements, providing support and advice to members, and campaigning on employment issues.
Transnational Company Agreements #
Agreements between multinational companies and their employees that cover issues such as working conditions, social rights, and environmental standards. Transnational company agreements are a form of employee representation that help to protect the rights of employees in different countries.
Whistleblowing #
The reporting of wrongdoing or illegal activity within an organization. Whistleblowing is a form of employee representation that is protected by EU law, and employees who report wrongdoing are entitled to legal protection against retaliation.
Works Council #
A body made up of employee representatives and employers, who meet regularly to discuss issues that affect the workplace. Works councils provide a formal structure for employee representation and give employees a voice in decision-making processes.
Youth Guarantee #
An EU initiative that aims to ensure that all young people aged 15-24 have access to employment, education, or training. The Youth Guarantee is a form of employee representation that helps to protect the rights of young workers and promote their integration into the labor market.