Social Dialogue Committee for Paper Meets to Discuss Best Practices
Today the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) and the European Mine, Chemical and Energy Workers’ Federation (EMCEF) confirmed their commitment to health and safety in the European paper industry. Just before the European Health and Safety Week on 25-29 October 2010, the two organisations met under the auspices of the European Commission for the first plenary meeting of the sectoral social dialogue committee for paper, which focused on health and safety good practices.
“Health and safety are key components of sustainability with their human and competitiveness-related dimensions. Through CEPI the industry already committed in 2003 to strive for a zero-accident target” said Teresa Presas, Chairperson of the Paper Sector Social Dialogue. The declining rate of accidents causing an absence of more than three days has already been reduced to 18.6/1000 in 2009.
As a result of the meeting, employees and employers of the European paper industry decided to develop a report on good health and safety practices in a joint project with the support of the European Commission. This good practice guide will then serve the entire industry as a source of inspiration for further improvements to their health and safety performance. Christer Larsson, Vice-Chairman of the Paper Sector Social Dialogue remarked: “It is only natural to learn from each other concerning important issues like today’s item – health and safety”.
On this occasion, Irina Wintermayer from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), who runs a campaign on health and safety called "Healthy workplaces, good for you, good for business", announced that CEPI’s application to become a partner had been accepted. CEPI welcomes this news and will further act and disseminate good practices within the framework of this campaign. EMCEF (SSD paper) expressed its intention to apply to the campaign as well.
The European social dialogue is recognised as a pillar of the European social model. It complements the national practices of social dialogue, while acknowledging the autonomy of social partners and the diversity of industrial relations in Europe. European sectoral social dialogue produces outcomes of practical importance to workers and companies and makes a significant contribution to the governance of the EU as a whole.
For more information, please contact Bernard de Galembert at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Jorma Rusanen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CEPI aisbl - The Confederation of European Paper Industries.
The Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) is a Brussels-based non-profit making organisation regrouping the European pulp and paper industry and championing this industry’s achievements and the benefits of its products. Its mission is to promote the member’s business sector by taking specific actions notably, by monitoring and analysing activities and initiatives in the areas of industry, environment, energy, forestry, recycling, fiscal policies and competitiveness in general. Through CEPI, the paper industry increases its visibility and acts on emerging issues, making expert and constructive contributions on behalf of the industry.
Its collective expertise provides a unique source of information both for and on the industry; coordinating essential exchanges of experience and knowledge among its members, the ability to provide technical assistance to legislators and to identify independent experts on specific issues. Through its 19 member countries (17 European Union members plus Norway and Switzerland) CEPI represents some 760 pulp, paper and board producing companies across Europe, ranging from small and medium sized companies to multi-nationals, and 1080 paper mills. Together they represent 26% of world production.
Website: www.cepi.org
EMCEF -EUROPEAN MINE, CHEMICAL AND ENERGY WORKERS' FEDERATION
Europeis undergoing significant changes regarding political, economic and social aspects of our lives. The EMU, the enlargement towards Central and Eastern Europe as well as the globalisation mean a tremendous challenge for the European Union. That will also affect the work of the Trade Unions.
As Trade Unions we have to take care of the interests of our members in this new environment and pursue the most effective representation of their interests vis a vis the EU institutions and the employers.
This has to go hand in hand with our affiliated national organisations against the background of differing national traditions and cultures. We strongly believe that the European social model is not an illusion. On the contrary, it will strengthen the economic and social cohesion and guarantee peace, freedom and democracy for the whole European continent.
EMCEF today organises 2.5 million workers in 35 countries and 128 national trade unions. One other organisation has the status as observer. EMCEF organises both blue and white-collar workers.
Website: www.emcef.org