Monitoring good practices in the areas of employment, social affairs and inclusion : examples of projects funded by DG EMPL in 2011-2012, report 1.
Date: 2016-01-04
Institutions: Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion
Subjects: EU employment policy, EU policy - national policy, common strategy, employment aid, employment policy, fight against unemployment, labour market, local authority, marginalisation, regional authority, report, social integration, social policy, social security, social services, youth policy

Monitoring good practices 
in the areas of 
EMPLOYMENT, SOCIAL AFFAIRS 
AND INCLUSION

Examples  of  projects  funded  by 
DG EMPL in 2011-2012
Report 1

Written by Laima Užpelkienė, Haroldas Brožaitis, 
Public Policy and Management Institute, Vilnius 
September – 2014

Social Europe

ISSN 2363-281X

EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion
Unit 01 - Coordination and Planning, Inter-Institutional Relations

European Commission
B-1049 Brussels

MONITORING GOOD PRACTICES 
IN THE AREAS OF EMPLOYMENT,  
SOCIAL AFFAIRS AND INCLUSION

Report on examples of projects funded by DG EMPL in 2011-2012

Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion

This report has received financial support from Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity 
(2007-2013).

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Contents

Abstract 

Introduction   

EMPLOYMENT  
1. 

Innovative Methods Leading Youth to a Solid Career 

SOCIAL PROTECTION AND SOCIAL INCLUSION 
2. 

Policies and Instrument for a Healthy and Dignified Active Ageing for Elderly Women 

WORKING CONDITIONS 
3.  

European Skills Council in the Textile and Leather Industry 

4. 

5.  

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

10. 

11. 

12. 

European Skills Council in the Commerce Sector 

European Skills Councils in the Audiovisual and Live Performance Sectors   

European Skills Council in the Shipbuilding and Repair Sector  

Ergonomics and Work Organization in the European Automotive Sector 

Job-Resilience of Cooperatives in Times of Crisis 

Restructuring and Re-Orientation of Printing Companies 

Proactive Management of Change and Restructuring   

Social Dialogue on the Perspectives of the European Land Armament Sector 

Restructuring in the Telecommunications Sector 

4

6

9

  10

  13

  14

  17

  18

  20

  22

  24

  26

  28

  30

  32

  34

  36

 3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Abstract

The European Commission finances projects enabling national, regional and local administrations, social and economic 
partners and other organisations to exchange good practices in the fields of employment, working conditions, social 
inclusion and social protection. To facilitate the dissemination of the achieved results this report reviews good practice 
examples of projects supported by the Community Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity — Progress in the 
years 2011 – 2012. 
For  example,  a  project  in  the  field  of  employment  focused  on  the  transition  of  young  people  from  education  to  
labour market, specifically, on a “Simulated Enterprise” method to facilitate it. Similarly, a project in the field of social  
protection  and  social  inclusion  explored  innovative  policies  for  elderly  women,  specifically,  the  establishment  of  a  
multi-service  community  centre  for  women  over  70.  Likewise,  in  the  field  of  working  conditions  two  projects  
successfully  launched  European  Sector  Skills  Councils  and  completed  their  first  year  of  operation,  with  two  further 
projects resulting in the agreement of social partners to establish such Councils; a number of other projects explored 
restructuring issues to increase understanding of social partners, especially trade unions, of the sector-specific needs 
and challenges. 
All projects collected a solid and comparative knowledge base, good practice examples from different EU countries and 
policy recommendations, which may be interesting to policy- makers designing or implementing policy interventions 
in the respective policy areas. The projects covered by this report are good practice examples of the involvement of 
different stakeholders,mutual learning and developing a positive and proactive approach to change.

Résumé

La Commission européenne finance des projets qui permettent aux administrations nationales, régionales et locales, aux 
partenaires économiques et sociaux et à d’autres organisations d’échanger leurs bonnes pratiques dans les domaines 
de l’emploi, des conditions de travail, de l’inclusion sociale et de la rotection sociale. Afin de faciliter la diffusion des 
résultats obtenus, le présent rapport analyse les exemples de bonnes pratiques des projets financés par le programme 
communautaire pour l’emploi et la solidarité sociale — Progress durant les années 2011 – 2012. À titre d’exemple, 
un projet dans le domaine de l’emploi a travaillé sur la transition des jeunes entre le monde de l’éducation et celui du 
marché du travail, et plus précisément sur une méthode « de imulation d’entreprise » pour faciliter cette intégration. De 
même, un projet dans le domaine de la protection sociale et de l’inclusion sociale a exploré les politiques innovantes 
visant les femmes âgées, et plus précisément la création d’un centre communautaire multiservice pour les femmes 
âgées de plus de 70 ans. Dans le domaine des conditions de travail, deux projets ont permis le lancement des conseils 
sectoriels  européens  sur  les  compétences  et  ont  fait  en  sorte  que  ceux-ci  fonctionnent  une  première  année  ;  deux  
projets  supplémentaires  ont  par  ailleurs  abouti  à  l’accord  des  partenaires  sociaux  sur  la  création  de  ces  conseils.   
Plusieurs  autres  projets  se  sont  penchés  sur  des  questions  de  restructuration  afin  d’améliorer  la  compréhension 
qu’avaient  les  partenaires  sociaux,  et  notamment  les  syndicats,  des  besoins  et  difficultés  spécifiques  à  un  secteur. 
Les projets ont tous collecté des bases de connaissances solides et comparatives, des exemples de bonnes pratiques  
provenant  de  différents  pays  européens  et  de  différentes  recommandations  politiques  ;  ces  éléments  peuvent  
intéresser les décisionnaires politiques lors de la conception ou de la mise en œuvre d’interventions politiques dans 
leurs  domaines  politiques  respectifs.  Les  projets  couverts  dans  le  présent  rapport  sont  des  exemples  de  bonnes  
pratiques en termes d’implication des différentes parties prenantes, d’apprentissage mutuel et de développement d’une 
approche positive et proactive du changement.

 4

Zusammenfassung

Die Europäische Kommission finanziert Projekte, mit deren Hilfe Behörden, die Sozialpartner, Unternehmen und andere 
Organisationen auf nationaler, regionaler und lokaler Ebene bewährte Verfahren in den Politikfeldern Beschäftigung, 
Arbeitsbedingungen,  soziale  Eingliederung  und  Sozialschutz  austauschen  können.  Um  die  Verbreitung  der  erzielten 
Ergebnisse  zu  erleichtern,  stellt  dieser  Bericht  erfolgreiche  Projekte  vor,  die  in  den  Jahren  2011  –  2012  durch  das 
emeinschaftsprogramm für Beschäftigung und soziale Solidarität — Progress gefördert wurden.
So  wurde  beispielsweise  im  Rahmen  eines  Projekts  im  Bereich  Beschäftigung  ein  Verfahren  mit  „simulierten  
Unternehmen“  entwickelt,  das  den  Übergang  junger  Menschen  aus  dem  Bildungssystem  in  den  Arbeitsmarkt  
unterstützt. Ein anderes Projekt im Bereich Sozialschutz und soziale Eingliederung untersuchte innovative Strategien 
zur Unterstützung von Seniorinnen, in dessen Rahmen verschiedene Dienste in einem Gemeinschaftszentrum für Frauen 
über 70 gebündelt wurden. Im Politikbereich Arbeitsbedingungen waren zwei Projekte erfolgreich an der Einführung von 
Europäischen Branchenräte für Kompetenzen beteiligt und 
begleiteten das erste Jahr ihrer Tätigkeit. In anderen Branchen konnte sich die Sozialpartner dank der Unterstützung 
weiterer Projekte auf die Einrichtung entsprechender Kompetenzräte einigen. Andere Projekte verbesserte durch die 
Analyse von Umstrukturierungsprozessen das Verständnis der Sozialpartner und insbesondere der Gewerkschaften von 
branchenspezifischen Problemen und Bedürfnissen.
Alle  Projekte  erhoben  zuverlässige  und  vergleichbare  Daten,  sammelten  bewährte  Verfahren  aus  unterschiedlichen  
EU-Mitgliedstaaten  und  fassten  diese  in  Politikempfehlungen  zusammen,  die  den  Entscheidungsträgern  in  den  
jeweiligen  Politikfeldern  bei  der  Entwicklung  innovativer  Strategien  wichtige  Hilfestellungen  bieten  können.  Die  in  
diesem Bericht vorgestellten Projekte sind Fallbeispiele dafür, wie durch Erfahrungsaustausch, gegenseitiges Lernen 
und  die  Beteiligung  unterschiedlicher  Akteure  und  Interessengruppen  Wandel  erfolgreich  und  proaktiv  begleitet  und 
gestaltet werden kann.

 5

Introduction

Monitoring  good  practices  is  part  of  the  monitoring  of  the  performance  of  the  European  Union’s  Programme  for  
Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) 2014-2020. It foresees biannual reports on projects considered to be examples 
of good practice, in view of facilitating their dissemination.
The  aim  of  the  identification  and  sharing  of  good  practices  is  to  capture  evidence  on  the  effectiveness  of 
a  practice,  to  improve  its  visibility  and  dissemination  so  that  it  becomes  easily  accessible,  reusable  by  all  
informed stakeholders: decision makers, socio-economic partners, NGOs, academia, media, and civil society at large 
and facilitates learning from others. It is expected that this sharing of good practices will inspire further change and 
“better practice”. 
The  projects  that  will  be  reviewed  in  the  context  of  this  exercise  will  be  those  funded  under  previous  
programmes  now  integrated  under  EaSI.  In  the  policy  area  of  employment  there  were  five  calls  for  
proposals launched under the European Union Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity – PROGRESS (2007-
2013)  and  four  calls  for  proposals  launched  under  the  European  Employment  Services  –  EURES.  They  supported  
cooperation among Public and Private Employment Services, the exchange of good practices in employment and labour 
mobility (see box 1).

Box 1. Calls for proposals launched in the policy area of employment

PROGRESS

Reference number 
VP/2011/005 

VP/2011/010 
VP/2012/013 
VP/2013/010 
VP/2013/016 

EURES

Title
Public Employment Services & Private Employment Services working together; PARES  
(Partnerships between Employment Services)
Projects contributing to exchange of good practices (covered by this report)
PARES: Partnerships between Employment Services
Delivering on skills for growth and jobs
PARES: Benchmarking between Employment Services

Reference number 
VP/2011/006 
VP/2012/006 
VP/2013/004 
VP/2013/014 

Title
Preparatory action “Your first EURES job”
Preparatory action “Your first EURES job”
EURES (European Employment Services)
Preparatory action “Your first EURES job”

In the policy area of social protection and social inclusion there were totally nine calls for proposals launched by the 
PROGRESS programme. They supported policies for active ageing and the development of social, health and long-term 
care services, social experimentation and equality (see box 2).

 6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Box 2. Calls for proposals launched in the policy area of social protection and social inclusion

PROGRESS

Title
Reference number 
Call for proposals on innovative policies to support healthy, active and dignified ageing and raise the  
VP/2011/007 
                                            effectiveness and efficiency of spending on social, health and long-term care services and benefits                     
                                            (covered by this report) 
VP/2011/009 
JUST/2011/PROG/AG/D4 
VP/2012/007 
VP/2012/010 
                                             mutual learning in national pension reform processes
VP/2012/011 
JUST/2012/PROG/AG/AD 
VP/2013/012 
VP/2013/013 

Call for proposals for social experimentations
Support to national activities combating discrimination and promoting equality
Call for proposals for social policy experimentations
Call for proposals for actions related to the development of pension modelling and for support for 

Support for the development of a tracking service for private pension entitlements
Support to national activities aiming at combating discrimination and promoting equality
Call for proposals for social policy experimentations supporting social investments
Support to the design of reform strategies for more cost-effective social protection systems

In  the  policy  area  of  working  conditions  there  were  totally  three  calls  for  proposals  launched  by  the  PROGRESS  
programme. They supported projects dealing with restructuring, well-being at work and financial participation as well as 
with posting of workers (see box 3).

Box 3. Calls for proposals launched in the policy area of working conditions

PROGRESS

Reference number 
VP/2011/008 
VP/2012/009 
VP/2013/008 

Title
“Restructuring, well-being at work and financial participation” (covered by this report) 
“Mutual learning in the field of skills and employment; EU Sector Skills Councils; Restructuring”
“Posting of workers: enhancing administrative cooperation to access information”

This first biannual report includes projects that were completed and had submitted their final reports to the Commission 
before 1 January 2014. Such projects were identified within three calls for proposals:

1.  VP/2011/010 “Projects contributing to exchange of good practices” (Budget line: 04.04 01 01) in the policy area of 

employment;
2.  VP/2011/007 

“Innovative  policies 

the  
effectiveness  and  efficiency  of  spending  on  social,  health  and  long-term  care  services  and  benefits”  
(Budget line: 04.04.01.02) in the policy area of social protection and social inclusion, and

to  support  healthy,  active  and  dignified  ageing  and 

raise 

3.  VP/2011/008 “Restructuring, well-being at work and financial participation” (Budget line: 04.04.01.03) in the policy 

area of working conditions.

 7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Out of 19 projects, 12 were assessed as being examples of good practice and are included in this report. The major 
number of the good practice examples are within the policy area of working conditions (ten projects), while policy areas 
of employment and social protection and inclusion are represented by one project each. Such distribution among the 
policy areas is determined not by the quality of the projects presented, but rather by the end date of an action grant. 
In this case, a higher number of projects was finalised under the call VP/2011/008 on Restructuring, well-being at work 
and financial participation and therefore covered in this report. The other projects funded through these and other calls 
will be covered by subsequent biannual reports on good practices.

To select the projects to be included in the reports, a broad definition of the term “practice” is adopted. It encompasses 
a process or a methodology that represents an effective way of achieving a specific objective, the one that has been 
proven to work well and produce expected results, and is therefore recommended as a model or as a useful example. 
The selection is carried out following a three-step approach:

• 

• 

• 

impact/European  added  value,  and 

First,  a  review  of  the  final  technical  reports  of  the  relevant  action  grants  is  carried  out  and  a  
number  of  projects  are  selected  according  to  the  core  criteria  of  effectiveness,  transferability,  sustainability,  
innovativeness  and 
the  horizontal  criteria  of  gender  equality,  
non-discrimination, inclusion of vulnerable groups, and contribution to employment and social protection and inclu-
sion. 
Then,  the  projects  which  meet  quantitative  criteria  and  have  a  positive  qualitative  assessment  are  
subject  to  a  more  in-depth  analysis  of  additional  information  and  consultations  with  the  curators  of  the  
calls.  Thus,  the  initial  assessment  is  verified  and  the  strongest  aspects  of  the  selected  good  practices  are  
identified. 
Finally, the projects are classified according to broad policy areas. Context-related keywords on policy sub-areas, 
types of activities and target groups are assigned to each of them to facilitate the search for and dissemination 
of necessary information.. 

Projects included in this report should not be compared with each other, as they are different in terms of scope, policy 
area, activities, budget and duration. They should rather be seen as distinct examples of good practice.

is  structured  according  to  policy  areas,  and  the  projects  are  grouped  according  to  their  
The  report 
respective  call  for  proposals.  The  description  of  each  project  includes  general  information  on  its  policy  
area  and  sub-area, 
target  groups,  participating  countries  and  organisations,  EU  
contribution and project duration. Then, specific information on the project’s results, activities, context and sustainability  
is provided. Finally, links to additional information can be found at the end of each description.

type  of  activity, 

 8

EMPLOYMENT

The  call  for  proposals  on  the  exchange  of  good  practices  in  employment  funded  through  PROGRESS  (2007-2013)  
covered two flagship initiatives of the Europe 2020 strategy: “An Agenda for New Skills and Jobs” and “Youth on the 
Move”.  Its  main  objectives  were  to  encourage  mutual  learning  at  local,  regional  and  national  levels  and  enhance  
transferability of the most effective policies, which would facilitate the first transition for youth from education to the 
labour market. Projects funded through this call were expected to result in the collection of examples of concrete policy 
measures leading to the provision of quality career guidance services and vocational orientation.

Applicants  were  encouraged  to  submit  proposals  that  involved  different  partners  coming  from  different  EU  
Member States, candidate and pre-candidate as well as EFTA/EEA countries. The collection of policy examples had to be  
structured so that all involved partners could learn from each other which policies work best, and in what contexts, as 
well as which measures had proven unsuccessful, and for what reasons.
Activities to be funded included workshops, seminars, round-tables, study visits, staff exchange and communication 
activities; information campaigns and awareness raising efforts; networking; small-scale studies and literature reviews.

The total available budget for this call was EUR 2.000.000. Duration of each project could be 12 months maximum.

Totally there were 14 projects funded through this call for proposals. Before the cut-off date for this report, one of them 
was completed and assessed as being a good practice example. 

 9

1) Innovative Methods Leading Youth to a Solid Career

Project title 
Identification of the call
Project identification number
Policy area
Policy sub-area
Type of activity
Direct target groups

Ultimate target groups
Participating countries
EU contribution (Euro)
Project duration
Coordinator

Partners

First Step to First Job – Innovative Methods Leading Youth to a Solid Career
VP/2011/010
VS/2012/0017
Employment 
Youth employment
Exchange of good practices
Universities and research institutes, National authorities, Regional/local 
authorities, Social and economic partners
Youth
Romania, Portugal, Austria, Italy, Spain
166 123
January-July 2013 (7 months)
The National Scientific Research Institute for Labour and Social Protection, 
Romania
The Research Centre of Peoples and Culture, Portugal
The Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Protection and Elderly, Romania
The Petroleum and Gas University from Ploiesti, Romania
The Valahia University from Targoviste, Romania
ÖSB Consulting GmbH, Austria
Labour Market Strategies Consulting SRL, Romania
Expert for Europe, Italy
Ronsel Foundation, Spain

 10

Results: The project generated a knowledge base on the impact of innovative measures aiming at increasing youth 
employability in five EU countries: Austria, Italy, Portugal, Romania and Spain. This knowledge is helpful in answering 
the question to what extent the innovative measures were really making a difference on the European labour market. 
The project collected practical experiences of participating countries and identified best practices within the field of 
youth employment.

A  comprehensive  study  issued  during  the  project  succeeded  in  capturing  some  of  the  most  up  to  date  and  varied 
methods  for  facilitating  youth  insertion  and  mobility  on  the  labour  market,  that  were  in  force  at  the  time  in  the  5 
research participating countries. One of these methods is that of the “Simulated Enterprise”, which is increasingly being 
used  by  tertiary  education  institutions  in  Europe  (e.g.  Austria,  Romania,  Spain)  for  its  truly  outstanding  benefits  on 
strengthening students’ practical skills and competencies as well as grasp of real-life economic and business processes 
and thus enhancing their prospects for being hired at a relevant workplace.

The “Simulated Enterprise” method has a great transferability potential at EU level, and the study provides a full chap-
ter on recommendations for design and implementation of measures to support education and the transition from 
school to work, as well as to avoid skills mismatches and to promote an effective and efficient development and deploy-
ment of human resources on the labour market. The project facilitated the transfer of innovative know-how on the first 
transition of youth from education to labour market in different Member States, and it is a good practice example of 
information sharing and learning between European multi-stakeholder partners in this field. 

Project description: Objectives of the project were to stimulate the debate between different stakeholders on inno-
vative methods for youth transition to the labour market, to disseminate the concept of the “Simulated Enterprise” and 
to draft recommendations for decision-makers on a smooth transition from school to work. Activities of the project 
involved a comparative study, study visits, workshops and information campaign. The project targeted decision-makers 
and policy implementers as well as the civil society and the university, academic and labour environments.

Context: The project was initiated at the time when EU Member States were confronting a huge and fast increase of 
youth unemployment rate accompanied by a difficult transition of young people from school to work. The most suc-
cessful actions to overcome the crisis and the youth unemployment seemed to be those taken by Austria, a country 
whose economy apparently faced no significant changes in structure and intensity, and thus managed to secure a more 
balanced labour market, including young labour force. In an opposite situation were such countries as Spain, Portugal 
and Italy, which had very high rates of youth unemployment and with a very difficult insertion of youth on the labour 
market, in spite of a multitude of measures targeted towards them in the last years. 

Conclusion and follow-up: Two main conclusions have emerged from the study on the impact of innovative mea-
sures: 1) students are highly motivated if they can use theoretical knowledge in “real” situations and transfer the com-
petences into practice, and 2) it is of high importance that young people benefit from personal support throughout the 
process of labour market integration. The sustainability of the project activities was ensured through the e-platform on 
the project’s webpage and the network of national experts who were already generating plans for future joint activities.

Project website:
http://www.firststepfirstjob.eu/

 11

 12

SOCIAL PROTECTION AND SOCIAL INCLUSION

The  call  for  proposals  on  innovative  policies  for  social  protection  and  social  inclusion  funded  through  
PROGRESS 
(2007-2013)  aimed  at  helping  EU  Member  States,  candidate,  pre-candidate  and  EFTA/EEA 
countries  promote  the  sustainability  and  quality  of  health  and  long-term  care  provision  for  the  elderly.  Projects  
funded  through  this  call  were  expected  to  contribute  to  better  policies  for  healthy,  active  and  dignified  ageing. 
They  could  focus  on  different  stages  of  policy  development:  design,  implementation  or  evaluation.  Particular  
attention had to be paid to vulnerable groups and to parts of Europe where poor health was most prevalent and where 
many people were at risk of not receiving appropriate care for a life in dignity. 

Proposals had to be presented by a competent ministry or another public authority and might involve project partners 
(universities,  research  institutes,  international  or  non-governmental  organisations)  which  could  bring  in  expertise  in 
the required field. The projects had to involve, or make use of expertise of, at least one other European country or  
international organization.

Any type of relevant activities could be funded under this call for proposals were defined. Duration of each project could 
be 24 months maximum.

The total amount of EUR 2.000.000 was allocated to this call. Grants could amount to between EUR 100.000 and EUR 
500.000.  

Totally there were 6 projects funded through this call for proposals. Before the cut-off date for this report, one of them 
was completed and assessed as being a good practice example. 

 13

2) Policies and Instrument for a Healthy and Dignified Active Ageing for Elderly Women

Project title 

Identification of the call
Project identification number
Policy area
Policy sub-area
Type of activity
Direct target groups

Ultimate target groups
Participating countries
EU contribution (Euro)
Project duration
Coordinator

Policies and Instrument for a Healthy and Dignified Active Ageing for Elderly 
Women
VP/2011/007
VS/2011/0488
Social Protection and Social Inclusion
Ageing
Innovative policy development
Public authorities, Social services, Associations, non-governmental organisa-
tions and similar
Elderly women
Italy, Germany 
376 120
2011 November-2013 October (24 months)
Equal Opportunities Department - Presidency of the Council of  
Ministers, Italy

 14

Results:  The  project  developed  a  knowledge  base  on  active  ageing  factors  and  policies  in  a  gender  perspective 
and  collected  policy  and  practice  examples  from  DK,  DE,  ES,  FR,  UK,  AT,  EE,  CZ,  BE,  EL,  RO,  FI,  IE,  NL  with  a  more  
detailed comparison between Italy and Germany. The transferable element of the project is a  Developed model of a  
multi-service  centre  for  women  over  70,  which  could  be  used  and  adapted  by  other  countries  willing  to  establish  
similar centres. Also, the methodology and tools of the national survey of elderly women can be used as a prototype for 
national periodic surveys. This project is a good practice example of participatory policy development with a multi-actor 
group of stakeholders, based on evidence and international learning.

Project  description:  The  project  was  implemented  by  the  Italian  Department  for  Equal  Opportunities.  It  
originated  from  the  finding  that  in  Italy  gender  differences  were  a  central  feature  of  poverty  and  social  
exclusion, especially in older age. The project aimed to design innovative policies and interventions for elderly women in 
the broad context of the active and healthy ageing framework. To this end, a National Working Table was set up in Italy 
and attended by the central government institutions as well as national and local stakeholders. The participants of the 
Table shared and discussed results of the project research activities, including a feasibility study on the establishment 
of a community services centre for women, and drafted innovative proposals for the promotion of an active and healthy 
aging of elderly women.

Context:  Elderly  women  are  more  vulnerable  to  poverty,  in  comparison  to  men,  and  their  health  and  life  
expectancy  are  often  affected  by  stress  and  social  isolation.  Inadequate  or  obsolete  work  skills  are  the  main 
obstacles  for  them  to  remain  in  or  re-enter  the  labour  market,  in  addition  to  unpaid  care  workloads  and  
responsibilities. Therefore, the role of elderly women as both main providers and main users of care services becomes 
a crucial gender issue in the older age and needs specific policy measures. 

Follow-up:  As  a  follow-up  of  the  project,  a  pilot  implementation  of  the  community  centre  for  women  by  one  of  
Italian municipalities has been planned. A multiplier effect and a financial sustainability of the project was ensured by 
active involvement of the National Association of Italian Municipalities. 

Project website:
http://www.pariopportunita.gov.it/index.php/archivio-focus/2269-progetto-qmens-sana-in-corpore-sanoq

 15

 16

WORKING CONDITIONS

information  sharing  and 

(2007-2013)  aimed  to  promote 

The  call  for  proposals  on  restructuring,  well-being  at  work  and  financial  participation  funded  through  
PROGRESS 
learning  among  stakeholders  with  
regard  to  a  positive  and  proactive  approach  to  change,  especially  its  social  and  economic  consequences.  It  
supported three types of projects. The first type of projects were expected to result in the creation or development of  
partnerships such as European Sector Councils on Employment and Skills jointly promoted by employers’ and workers’  
representatives. The second type of projects were expected to help enterprises better understand, prevent and treat health and  
psycho-social problems of workers faced with restructuring. The third type of projects were expected to help the E 
uropean  social  partners  exchange  information  and  good  practices  on  financial  participation  of  workers,  including  
corporate governance and corporate social responsibility.

funded 

through 

All  projects 
international)  
organisation or involve partners from different EU Member States, candidate, pre-candidate and EFTA/EEA countries.  
Activities  co-funded  by  action  grants  included  meetings,  seminars,  conferences,  round-tables,  studies  and  training  
activities. The maximum duration of an action was 12 months.

to  be  promoted  by  a  European 

call  had 

this 

(or 

This call for proposals had a budget of EUR 2.330.000 for 2011. 

Totally  there  were  18  projects  funded  through  this  call.  Before  the  cut-off  date  for  this  report  17  projects  were  
completed and 10 were assessed as good practice examples. 

 17

3) European Skills Council in the Textile and Leather Industry

Project title 

Identification of the call
Project identification number
Policy area
Policy sub-area
Type of activity
Direct target groups
Ultimate target groups
Participating countries
EU contribution (Euro)

Project duration
Coordinator

Partners

European Sector Council on Employment and Skills in the  
Manufacturing Industry: First Year of Operation, Activities and  
Initiatives
VP/2011/008
VS/2011/0527
Working conditions, adaptation to change and restructuring
Manufacturing industry
Research, exchange of good practices, partnership building
Social and economic partners 
Employers, Employees
Pan-European, especially Italy, France, Belgium, United Kingdom
283 254

December 2011 – 2012 December (12 months)
IndustriAll – European Trade Union, replacing from May 16, 2012 
the European Federation of Textile, Garment and Leather (FSE: THC)
The Confederation of National Associations of Tanners and Dressers of the 
European Community, COTANCE
European Apparel and Textile Confederation, EURATEX

 18

leather 

in  the  textile,  clothing  and 

Results:  The  European  social  partners 
industry  were  the  first  to  
establish  the  European  Sectoral  Skills  Council  in  2011  as  a  basis  for  an  active  employment  policy.  This  
project  was  funded  to  support  the  first  year  of  the  Council’s  operation.  It  generated  a  knowledge  base  necessary 
to  guide  activities  of  the  Council,  specifically,  information  on  the  evolution  of  the  supply,  employment  and  skills,  
including  needs  foresight  and  prospective  analysis  for 
the  
innovative  tools,  national  and/or  
mismatch  of  competences  at  the  sectoral 
regional strategies, local initiatives and methods which could be used for peer learning were identified. In addition,  
recommendations for policy makers and partners based on sectoral discussions were drawn. This project is a good  
practice  example  of  a  consistent  and  well-coordinated  activity  of  European  level  social  partners.  Their  experience 
can be transferred to other sectors having established their European Sectoral Skills Council. It is the most advanced 
example so far on implementing European Strategy for New Skills and Jobs.

the  sector.  Good  practices  on 

identified  and 

level  were 

reducing 

training  and  education 

Project  description:  This  project  was  a  follow-up  to  four  preceding  projects,  which  paved  the  way  for  the  
European  Sectoral  Skills  Council,  and  it  aimed  to  launch  the  activities  of  the  Council.  The  Council  brings  in 
more  than  260  stakeholders  across  Europe,  which  were  the  direct  target  group  of  the  project,  specifically:  
industry  associations,  observatories,  private  
business  organisations, 
employment  agencies,  public  authorities, 
technological  platforms,  consultants  and  unions.  The  project  
activities  involved  the  Board  meetings,  research  and  reporting,  involvement  and  awareness  raising,  and  the  final  
conference.  During  the  course  of  the  project,  the  Board  realised  that  the  term  “observatories”  used  to  define  
organisations involved in the Skills Council was inappropriate and adopted a new term “industry skills partnerships” 
(ISP) which applies to sector-specific bipartite or tripartite organizations active in the fields of education, training and 
employment in a defined geographical area.

centres, 

Context:  This  project  was  implemented  at  a  time  when  European  economy  was  facing  a  huge  recession  and  a 
high level of unemployment. The situation and perspectives for the labour market in the textile sector illustrated a  
recession scenario. In this context, the European Sectoral Skills Council in the textile, clothing and leather industries  
adopted a mission to improve the level of education, skills and employment in this sector by effective networking and by  
facilitating decision-making on education and training issues in the sector at European, national, regional and company 
levels.

Conclusion and follow-up: The first year of operation of the Council provided useful information to the sectoral social 
partners and ISPs, but also guidance to the Commission and other sectors willing to follow the same path. To sustain 
the operation of the Council and its results achieved during the project, the social partners have already submitted a 
project in the call for proposals VP/2012/009 2012 on mutual learning in the field of skills and employment, EU Sector 
Skills Councils and restructuring.

Project website:
http://europeanskillscouncil.t-c-l.eu

 19

4) European Skills Council in the Commerce Sector

Project title 

Establishing a European Sector Council for Commerce on Employment and 
Skills

Identification of the call
Project identification number
Policy area
Policy sub-area
Type of activity
Direct target groups
Ultimate target groups
Participating countries
EU contribution (Euro)

Project duration
Coordinator
Partners

VP/2011/008
VS/2011/0533
Working conditions, adaptation to change and restructuring
Commerce
Research, Partnership building
Social and economic partners
Employers, Employees
Pan-European
161 309

December 2011 - February 2013 (14 months)
UNI EUROPA
EUROCOMMERCE

 20

Results:  This  project  led  to  the  set  up  of  the  EU  Commerce  Skills  Council  as  well  as  the  creation  of  an  ICT  
link  existing  and  emerging  observatories  on  
infrastructure  and  relative  tools,  which  will  be  used  to 
employment  and  training,  improve  the  functioning  of  the  Council,  facilitate  the  exchange  of  best  practices  and  
competencies, and identify and monitor training needs within the sector. The EU Commerce Skills Council is the second 
Skills Council established at the EU level and closely following in the steps and enhancing the experience of the first 
one in the Textile and Leather Industry. This project is a good practice example of the formation of a European network 
of  observatories  and  other  labour  market  and  skills  information  gathering  bodies  within  the  commerce  sector  with 
the aim of improving the level and quality of education, skills and employment in the Commerce-related industries by  
anticipating the future skills needs and labour shortages.

in 

Project  description:  The  Social  Partners 
the  Commerce  sector  –  UNI  Europa  Commerce  and  
Eurocommerce  –  have  been  promoting  a  network  of  relevant  stakeholders  with  interest  in  Vocational  
in  the  commerce  and  retail  sectors  already  since  2010.  This  project  was  a  
Education  and  Training 
follow-up  to  a  feasibility  phase,  during  which  the  need  to  constitute  a  Sector  Skills  Council  emerged  and  the  
agreement  between  European  social  partners  to  establish  the  Council  was  reached.  The  aim  of  this  
project  was  to  create  and  formally  launch  the  Council  and  develop  its  infrastructure  and  tools.  It  resulted  in  the  
creation  of  a  network  of  7  observatories  from  6  countries 
(Belgium,  Denmark,  France,  Netherlands,  
Portugal  and  Spain)  and  the  agreement  between  them  on  a  Statute,  where  rules  on  the  concrete  
functioning of the Council were established: its objectives, membership, duration, financing and decision procedures. The  
potential  users  of  the  ICT  platform  were  also  identified:  sector  and  industrial  associations,  employers,  
universities, training providers, employees and job seekers.

Context:  At  the  time  when  the  project  was  initiated,  the  world  of  commerce  and  retail  was  changing  rapidly  and 
facing  new  challenges  rising  from  new  technologies,  globalisation,  green  business,  health  and  safety  issues,  trade  
liberalisation,  labour  legislation  and  emerging  markets.  In  this  context,  skills  and  competencies  of  the  workforce  
constituted a significant factor to ensure competitiveness and long-term sustainability of the sector, which employed 
almost 30 million people at that time.

Follow-up:  To  sustain  the  project’s  results,  a  new  project  proposal  for  financing  the  first  year  of  the  Council’s 
activities  has  also  been  submitted.  Moreover,  UNI  Europa  and  EUROCOMMERCE  have  put  the  issue  of  the 
Skills  Council  at  the  heart  of  their  joint  work  programme  for  the  Sectoral  Social  Dialogue  Committee  for  
Commerce  for  the  period  of  2012  and  2013  and  were  going  to  reiterate  their  commitment  to  these  topics  in  the  
upcoming working programme for 2014 and 2015. 

Project website:
http://www.europeancommerce.eu

 21

5) European Skills Councils in the Audiovisual and Live Performance Sectors

Project title 

Identification of the call
Project identification number
Policy area
Policy sub-area
Type of activity
Direct target groups
Ultimate target groups
Participating countries
EU contribution (Euro)

Project duration
Coordinator

Partners

Analysis of Feasibility of Creating European Sector Councils on  
Employment and Skills in the Audiovisual and Live Performance  
Sectors
VP/2011/008
VS/2011/0535
Working conditions, adaptation to change and restructuring
Live performance and Audiovisual sector
Feasibility study
Social and economic partners
Employers, Employees
Pan-European
108 922

December 2011 - December 2012 (12 months)
UNI Europa (EURO-MEI) – The European Regional Organisation of Union 
Network International – Media, Entertainment and Arts
European Broadcasting Union
European Coordination of Independent Producers
International Federation of Journalists
International Federation of Musicians
Performing Arts Employers’ Associations League Europe
The International Federation of Actors

 22

is 

an 

This 

project 

example 

Results: 
a  
feasibility  phase  and  taking  an  informed  decision  on  the  establishment  of  a  European  Sector  Skills  Council  in  the  
audiovisual and live performance sectors. Moreover, the project provided EU social partners, the Commission and all  
relevant  stakeholders  in  skills  development  with  a  good  overview  of  skills  bodies  and  an  assessment  of  their  
capacities and activities in the Member States. A database with over 400 entries across the EU was produced as well 
as recommendations on the possible structure, composition, mandate and scope of action for the Council.

successfully 

completing 

partners 

social 

EU 

of 

initiated  by 

the  European  social  partners  and 

Project  description:  The  project  was 
targeted  
stakeholders  involved  in  education  and  training  activities  in  the  audiovisual  and  live  performance  sectors  at  the  
national  level.  The  aim  of  the  project  was  to  analyse  the  feasibility  of  creating  a  European  Sector  Councils  on  
Employment  and  Skills 
in  these  sectors.  To  this  end,  the  project  partners  carried  out  a  mapping  
exercise  across  27  EU  countries  and  identified  17  national  sector  skills  councils  or  equivalent  bodies  and  other  
stakeholders  in  10  EU  countries.  The  majority  of  stakeholders  clearly  expressed  an  interest  in  exchanging  
information  at  the  EU  level.  Additional  information  on  the  national  employment  and  training  landscapes  was  
collected during study visits to 13 EU countries, and consultations on the interest and feasibility of creating a European  
structure were carried out. 

On  the  basis  of  the  mapping  exercise  and  the  study  visits,  a  report  with  recommendations  for  further  
action  was  drafted  and  put  forward  to  the  two  Sector  Social  Dialogue  Committees.  The  report  stressed  that  
sufficient  interest  and  expertise  were  identified  in  the  two  sectors  across  Member  States.  As  a  result,  the  
Committees  adopted  recommendations  to  establish  a  European  Sector  Skills  Council  in  the  audiovisual  and  live  
performance sectors. 

Project website:
No info

 23

6) European Skills Council in the Shipbuilding and Repair Sector

Project title 

Identifying the Actors in the Shipbuilding and Repair Sector in View of Set-
ting up a European Council on Employment and Skills

Identification of the call
Project identification number
Policy area
Policy sub-area
Type of activity
Direct target groups
Ultimate target groups
Participating countries
EU contribution (Euro)

Project duration
Coordinator

VP/2011/008
VS/2011/0537
Working conditions, adaptation to change and restructuring
Shipbuilding and repair sector
Feasibility study
Social and economic partners
Employers, Employees
Pan-European
97 030

December 2011 - October 2012 (11 months)
Community of European Shipyards’ Associations (CESA)
Note: in June 2012 CESA together with the European Marine Equipment 
Council formed SEA Europe (the European Ships and Maritime Equipment 
Association)

Partners

European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF)
Note: in May 2012 EMF was integrated into Industriall

 24

Results:  This  project  is  an  example  of  a  successful  feasibility  phase,  which  resulted  in  the  decision  of  
European social partners to establish a European Sectoral Skills Council (ESSC) in the Shipbuilding and Repair Sector.

Project  description:  The  project  was  developed  in  the  framework  of  the  Shipbuilding  European  Social  Dialogue  
fostered by the European Social Partners, CESA and EMF. Its main purpose was to identify the main national/regional 
actors  and  structures  involved  in  skills  and  employment  development  in  the  European  shipbuilding,  ship  repair  and 
marine equipment sector, with the aim of building a network of relevant actors at European level. 

During  the  project  an  external  study  identified  almost  200  organisations  who  could  be  potential  members  of  the 
network:  employers’  associations,  trade  unions,  public  authorities,  vocational  education  and  training  providers,  
universities  and  research  centres,  transversal/multipartite  organisations  and  private  companies.  Then,  the  
first-hand information on their structures, types of activities and results was obtained and their views regarding possible  
cooperation  structures  at  European  level  were  explored.  Some  national  and  regional  public  authorities  expressed 
their interest and 37 organisations confirmed their commitment to participate in the ESSC. On the basis of evidence  
generated during the project, the European social partners evaluated the added value of the Council and concluded that 
there was a sufficient base to start working on the creation of the Council. 
Context:  The  European  maritime  technology  industry  employs  more  than  500.000  people  (directly  and  
indirectly),  working  at  around  300  shipyards  and  22.000  supplying  companies.  The 
is  
specialised  in  building  and  equipping  the  most  innovative  and  high  technology  vessels  and  has  45%  of  the  world  
market  shares.  The  industry’s  success  and  competitiveness  relies  on  the  most  highly  skilled  workforce,  able  to  
develop  and 
increased  complexity  of  products,  new  
business  areas  and  non-stop  innovations  create  an  additional  demand  for  highly  skilled  staff.  Therefore,  the  
initiated  a  feasibility  study  to  evaluate  whether  a  European  
sector’s  social  partners,  CESA  and  EMF, 
Sectoral Skills Council (ESSC) could facilitate the cooperation and exchange of information and experiences between  
respective national entities, in particular on the evolution of skills requirements in the context of anticipation of change 
at the European level.

the  most  advanced 

technologies.  The 

innovate 

industry 

Conclusion  and  follow-up:  Stakeholders  from  different  European  countries  concluded  that  the  ESSC  would 
enhance  their  on-going  activities  and  benefit  the  sector  by  collecting  and  spreading  information  from  and 
to  them,  ensuring  the  sharing  of  good  practices  between  similar  organizations  from  different  countries,  
providing  guidance 
to  
facilitate  the  mobility  of  workers  and  students  within  Europe.  The  participants  and  partners  agreed  to  continue  
collaborating during 2013 in order to develop a coherent and efficient structure for the ESSC and to engage the highest 
number of relevant partners for the second phase of the project.

to  education  providers  and  coordinating 

training  systems  and  certificates 

the 

Project website:
http://www.cesa.eu/
http://www.seaeurope.eu/template.asp?f=index.htm#box-seven 
http://www.industriall-europe.eu/

 25

7) Ergonomics and Work Organization in the European Automotive Sector

Project title 

Ergonomics and Work Organization: Effects on the Health of Workers in the 
European Automotive Sector

Identification of the call
Project identification number
Policy area
Policy sub-area
Type of activity

VP/2011/008
VS/2011/0346
Health, safety and hygiene at work
Automotive industry
Research

Direct target groups
Ultimate target groups

Participating countries
EU contribution (Euro)

Project duration
Coordinator

Partners

Social and economic partners (Trade unions in automotive sector)
Employees

Italy, France, Germany, Spain
97 030

2011 November – 2013 October (24 months)
European Metalworkers’ Federation (industriAll since 2012)

Employees Federation of Metal Workers, Italy
Italian Federation of Metalworkers, Italy
Federation of Metalworkers, France
General Federation of Mining and Metallurgy, France
Metalworkers Union, Germany
Federation of Industry, Spain
Federation of Metal, Construction and Allied Industries, Spain

 26

(MSDs)  of  the  upper 

the  contribution  of  physical 
limbs 

factors  and  work  
Results:  This  project  established  a  diagnosis  of 
in  the  automotive  
organisation  to  the  risk  of  musculoskeletal  disorders 
sector,  at  a  time  of  major  restructuring  within  this  industry.  Marked  differences  were  identified  between  east 
and  west  in  terms  of  working  conditions,  mechanisation  and  the  ability  of  health  and  safety  trade  union  
officers to analyse and understand the link between the set-up of the workplaces and the health risks, and also the  
differences  between  north  and  south  in  terms  of  information  available  to  these  officers  and  their  ability  to  act  
effectively  upon  the  set-up  of  the  workplaces.  This  project  is  a  good  practice  example  of  trade  union  
cooperation 
investigation  on  health  and  safety  
management. The project adopted a completely new, trade union-led approach to research that surpassed company-level  
investigation and engaged in a dialogue with the workers. This example of trade union cooperation in research can be 
transferable to other industrial sectors. 

in  carrying  out  transnational  sectoral-level  comparative 

Project description: The project was initiated and coordinated by a European Metalworkers’ Federation, and its target 
group were trade unions, for which restructuring meant the need to develop a more systemic and holistic approach 
to health and safety issues. The principal aim was to acquire a better knowledge of work organisation and working  
conditions in the automotive industry: What are the real working conditions on the production line? What is the knowledge 
of the trade union officers active in the production sites? How do the workers themselves perceive their own conditions? 
These  questions  were  answered  through  an  on-site  research  in  seven  European  countries  (ten  different  production 
plants, belonging to four different companies). Designed as an action-research, this project offered an opportunity to 
continuous feedback on the preliminary results to the local trade union officers in order to improve their action on-site. 

Context:  Musculoskeletal  disorders 
industry. 
There  have  been  many  high-level  debates  on  their  economic  impact,  the  associated  costs  incurred  by  the  
companies  and  their  impact  on  work  productivity.  The  research  has  established  that  occupational  health 
risks  are  determined  not  only  by  physical  factors,  but  also  by  work  organisation,  which  can  be  improved  to  
minimise the risk of MSDs of the upper limbs in the automotive sector.

(MSDs)  are  the  dominant  pathology 

in  the  metalworking 

Follow-up:  Data  collected  during  this  project  paved  the  way  for  further  industriAll  Europe-led  activities.  A  training  
programme for trade union officers in the field of occupational health hazards and work organisation (shop stewards) 
has been planned on the basis of the knowledge generated to fill the gaps of their knowledge and skills found during 
the research. Moreover, the project resulted in creating a European network of experts for ergonomics in the automotive 
industry (mainly Original Equipment Manufacturers). 

Project website:
http://www.industriall-europe.eu/proj/ergonomics/ergonomics.asp

 27

8) Job-Resilience of Cooperatives in Times of Crisis

Project title 

Why Cooperatives are More Job-Resilient Even in Times of Crisis

Identification of the call
Project identification number
Policy area
Policy sub-area
Type of activity
Direct target groups
Ultimate target groups

Participating countries

EU contribution (Euro)

Project duration
Coordinator

Partners

VP/2011/008
VS/2011/0361
Working Conditions, Adaptation to Change and Restructuring 
-
Research
Social and economic partners, Business enterprises, Public authorities
Employers, Employees

Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, United Kingdom,  
Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Poland, Czech Republic, Slova-
kia, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia
124 203

June 2013 - May 2014 (11 months)
ECECOP - CICOPA EUROPE – The European Confederation of Workers Coope-
ratives, Social Cooperatives and Social and Participative  
Enterprises
National Association of Cooperatives of Production and Labour, Italy
Business Confederation of Labour Limited Companies, Spain
Spanish Confederation of Worker Cooperatives, Spain
Confederation of Workers’ Cooperatives, France
COOMPANION Cooperative Development Sweden, Sweden
Co-Operatives UK, United Kingdom
COOP Finland, Finland
COOP PRODUCT Slovakia, Slovakia
ESTCOOP, Estonia
European Trade Union Confederation 
FEDERLAVORO E SERVIZI, Italy
FEDERSOLIDARIETA, Italy
FENACERCI, Portugal
The Co-operative Federation, Denmark
KOOPERATTIVI Malta, Malta
LEGACOOP SERVIZI, Italy
LEGACOOP SOCIALI, Italy
The Organisation for German Partnerships, Joint Ventures and  
Co-operatives (Vdp.E.V.), Germany
National Auditing Union of Worker’s Co-Operatives, Poland
National Federation of Worker’s production Cooperative Societies in 
Construction and Public Work, France 
National Union of Worker’s Productive Co-Operatives, Bulgaria
Research Institute for Social Economy, Slovenia
SOFICATRA S.A, Belgium
Union centrale des cooperatives d’artisanat de Roumanie, Romania
Union of Czech and Moravian Producer’s Cooperatives, Czech Republic

 28

revealed, 

through  extensive 

interviews,  why  enterprises  
Results:  This  project 
its  consequences.  The  study  “The  
co-owned  by  workers  show  a  major  resilience  to  the  crisis  and 
resilience  of  the  cooperative  model”,  produced  during  the  project,  identifies  the  mechanisms  which  reinforce  the  
resilience  of  European  cooperatives  in  industry  and  services  to  the  crisis.  The  study  was  complemented  by  a  
documentary film, which illustrates four emblematic cases of resilience to the crisis in France, Poland, Italy and Spain. 
This project is a good practice example of the consolidation and dissemination of knowledge and understanding of the 
cooperative practices in the times of crisis.

research  and  exclusive 

resilience  strategies  of  cooperatives, 

the  
the 
The  project  generated  knowledge  base  on 
temporary  reduction  of  salaries,  technological 
investment  and  adaptation  to  market  changes,  the  use 
of  financial  reserves,  etc.,  and  their  main  success  factors  such  as  the  democratic  control  played  by  the  
worker-members  and  the  economic  stability  facilitated  by  the  accumulation  of  capital  and  support  structures  
provided  by  the  cooperative  movement.  These  strategies  are  innovative  in  organisational  terms  compared  to  
mainstream  restructuring  practices.  The  findings  of  the  study  and  concrete  experiences  of  cooperatives  in  France, 
Poland,  Italy  and  Spain  can  be  a  source  of  inspiration  not  only  for  other  cooperatives,  but  also  for  other  types  of  
enterprises and public policies.

including 

Project  description:  The  project  was  initiated  and  coordinated  by  CECOP  -  CICOPA  EUROPE,  which  unites  25  
national  federations  in  16  EU  countries  and  affiliates  about  50  000  enterprises  which  in  turn  employ  1.4  million  
workers. The project aimed at promoting the development and dissemination of expertise on the cooperative approach to  
restructuring and anticipation of change. It targeted public authorities at all levels, cooperative organisations, trade 
unions, SME organisations, financial institutions and other stakeholders.

Context:  The  project  was  implemented  at  the  time  when  the  global  economic  crisis  of  2008  had  caused 
very  painful  consequences  for  the  generation  of  wealth  and  employment,  particularly  in  Europe.  Despite  that,  
in  various  sectors  and  
worker  cooperatives,  social  cooperatives  and  other  employee-owned  enterprises 
typologies  had  reportedly  shown  stronger  resilience  to  the  crisis  in  different  parts  of  the  world,  although 
with  significant  national  differences. 
in  the 
countries  that  have  the  best  legal  framework  protecting  and  promoting  cooperative  enterprises,  such  as  the  
indivisible  reserves,  mutualized  financial  instruments,  groups  and  consortia,  particularly  in  Italy,  Spain  and  France. 
Although cooperative enterprises have not been spared by the crisis, they have been able to limit enterprise closures 
and job losses better than conventional enterprises. 

It  appears  clearly  that  cooperatives’  resilience 

is  stronger 

follow-up: 

The  project  proposed  a 

recommendations  and  
Conclusion  and 
partnerships  based  on  the  concrete  practices  in  order  to  promote  not  only  cooperatives,  but  also  employment  and  
entrepreneurship  across  Europe.  The  follow-up  activities  of  the  project  were  aimed  at  dissemination  of  the 
two  main  products  of  the  project  (the  study  and  the  film)  and  their  key  findings  proving  the  strength  of 
the  cooperative  model.  They  included  film  screenings,  conferences,  discussions  and  the  exhibition  at  the  
European  Parliament  as  well  as  a  dedicated  website.  Feedback  received  during  the  follow-up  activities  showed  an  
interest  among  stakeholders  in  the  cooperative  experience  and  the  recognition  of  the  relevance  of  the  cooperative 
model to restructuring and anticipation of change in a socially and economically sustainable way.

series  of  policy 

Project website:
http://www.cecop.coop/

 29

9) Restructuring and Re-Orientation of Printing Companies

Project title 

Restructuring and Re-Orientation of Printing Companies

Identification of the call
Project identification number
Policy area
Policy sub-area
Type of activity

Direct target groups
Ultimate target groups

Participating countries

EU contribution (Euro)

Project duration
Coordinator

Partners

VP/2011/008
VS/2011/0362
Working conditions, adaptation to change and restructuring
Printing industry
Information sharing and learning

Social and economic partners
Employers, Employees

Portugal, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Hungary, Netherlands, Malta, 
Belgium
226 159

October 2011-October 2012 (12 months)
INTERGRAF International Confederation for Printing and Allied  
Industries

APIGRAF, Portugal
British Printing Industries Federation, United Kingdom
German Printing and Media, Germany
Workers Federation of Industries of the Book, Paper and  
Communication, France
Federation of Hungarian Printers and Paper Makers, Hungary
FNV/KIEM, Netherlands
General Workers Union Malta, Malta
Royal KVGO, Netherlands
Malta Printing Association, Malta
Hungarian Graphical Workers Union, Hungary
UNI Europa Graphical, Belgium
National Union of Printing and Communication, France
Unite the Union (GPM Sector), United Kingdom

 30

Results:  The  major  lesson  from  the  project  is  that  the  printing  industry  understands  the  need  for  change  and  
restructuring,  but  does  not  always  have  the  means  to  implement  it.  The  workshops  organised  during  the  project  
allowed  delegates  to  «step  outside»  their  businesses  and  come  to  reasoned  conclusions  about  the  future  of  their  
businesses. The project resulted in a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of individual companies and  
specific national circumstances as well as a common understanding of the needs of the industry in general. A further 
lesson  was  that  a  collective  approach,  involving  all  social  partners  and  other  stakeholders,  is  likely  to  be  the  most  
successful in achieving change. During the project the social partners developed a better understanding of and a greater  
tolerance for each other’s context-driven actions. This project is a good practice example of meeting individual needs of 
the printing industry in each participating country with regard to restructuring whilst remaining within a pan European 
framework.

Project  description:  The  project  was  a  follow-up  to  a  study  into  the  economic  and  social  issues  that  were  
impacting  the  printing  industry  (2010).  From  that,  a  toolkit  was  developed  to  help  the  industry  implement  the  
recommendations  in  relation  to  the  necessary  restructuring.  This  project  aimed  to  help  delegates  of  the  
printing  industry  within  7  participating  countries  manage  human  consequences  of  structural  changes  through 
the  exchange  of  experiences  in  implementing  practical  recommendations  of  the  toolkit  and  the  study.  Its  
activities  were  adapted  and  contextualised  to  fit  the  needs  of  a  particular  country’s  social  and  economic  
situation. The project involved both large and small companies and union representatives, who worked in small groups 
to analyse restructuring and reorganisation possibilities with the help of a specially trained expert.

Context: At the time of the project the printing industry in Europe was facing a period of unprecedented change, resulting 
from a new technology development, price cutting and the impact of global economic crisis resulting in massive company 
closures. These changes were having a profound impact on the lives of employees in the printing industry, who were typically 
long service staff, with specialised skill sets and a lack of experience in moving to other jobs with more transferrable skills. 
These factors were obstacles for those made redundant to find employment elsewhere, while those working in the companies 
that had survived faced the need to transform their skills along with the organisations themselves. Therefore, the need to  
develop an industry-wide approach to restructuring in a socially responsible way was pressing.

Conclusion  and  follow-up:  Cooperation  of 
this  project  produced  a  common  
understanding  of  the  needs  of  the  industry  and  led  to  an  agreement  to  engage  in  European  Social  Dialogue.  The  
application was to be formally submitted by the European Social Partners in January 2013. The ultimate benefit of the 
project has been the legacy left with National Federations and their social partners who have laid the basis for a lasting 
relationship. The printing industry and its social partners will continue to work on improving the competitiveness of the 
sector by joint actions and projects including the set-up of a Social Dialogue Committee at the European level.

the  partners  during 

Project website:
http://www.intergraf.eu/

 31

10) Proactive Management of Change and Restructuring

Project title 

Identification of the call
Project identification number
Policy area

Policy sub-area
Type of activity

Direct target groups
Ultimate target groups

Participating countries
EU contribution (Euro)

Project duration
Coordinator
Partners

Network Proactive Management of Change and Restructuring (Network 
ProMCR)
VP/2011/008
VS/2011/0369
Working conditions, adaptation to change and restructuring

-
Research, Exchange of good practices, Partnership building

Social and economic partners, Employment services, Public authorities
Employers, Employees, Unemployed

Slovenia, Hungary, Czech Republic
212 521

November 1, 2011 – October 31, 2012 (12 months)
Association of Employers of Slovenia, Slovenia
Association of Free Trade Unions of Slovenia, Slovenia
BUSINESSEUROPE (pan-European)
Confederation of Hungarian Employers and Industrialists, Hungary
Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic, Czech Republic
Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions, Czech Republic
Employment Service of Slovenia, Slovenia
International Labour Organisation, Country Office for Central and Eastern 
Europe, Hungary
Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic
National Confederation of Hungarian Trade Unions, Hungary
Public Employment Service of Hungary, Hungary

 32

the  
Results:  The  project  generated  a  knowledge  base  and 
industry  
anticipation  of  future  restructuring  and  change  management  among  companies  of  the  main 
sectors in Slovenia, Czech Republic and Hungary. The main message that emerged during the project was that trust,  
inclusion  of  workers’  representatives  are  essential  for  a  successful  
communication,  transparency  and 
management  of  change.  This  project 
is  a  good  practice  example  of  a  tripartite  partnership  between  
employer  organisations,  trade  unions  and  public  employment  services  for  the  proactive  management  of  
restructuring  and  change.  Recommendations  produced  during  the  project  could  be  used  by  companies  and  public  
authorities in creating the environment that is favourable to quality management of change.

identified  best  practice  examples  on 

in  order  to  optimise  the  competitiveness  of  companies 

Project  description:  The  project 
trade  unions,  public  employment  
targeted  employer  organisations, 
services,  public  authorities  and  European  partner  organisations.  By  analysing  current  and  planned  company  
restructuring  strategies  in  Central  European  countries,  it  aimed  to  promote  effective  company  decision- 
in  the  global  econo-
making  on  restructuring 
my  and  workers’  adaptability  to  change.  Knowledge,  experience  and  good  practices  exchanged  through  
national  and  transnational  partnerships  focused  on  effective  management  of  restructuring,  which  would  
support  positive  and  proactive  approach  to  change.  In  addition,  evidence  on  education  and  training  policies  in  the  
companies  and  the  role  of  worker’s  representatives  during  the  restructuring  and  change  management  
processes was collected. It showed that many companies do not give sufficient attention to these factors, while the 
governments give very poor financial support to the training and education needs of companies. A number of national 
workshops and panel discussions were organised, so that the project participants could discuss the findings of the case 
studies and the survey, exchange their practices and plan future actions. 

Context: The global economic crisis in 2008 increased the incidence and the number of relevant changes made in 
companies. The crisis turned out to be an additional driver of changes in the companies, and also an opportunity to 
embrace these changes as an integral part of a company’s “natural development”.

Conclusion and follow-up: The project raised awareness among employers, employees and public servants on the 
necessity of long-term strategic planning and adaptability as well as forward looking planning of employment and skill 
needs. Awareness of stress factors and resistance to change during restructuring was raised among the stakeholders 
and recommendations on how to avoid or reduce harmful consequences of restructuring were produced. The network 
members have committed to provide support to each other after the end of the project.

Project website:
http://www.zds.si/en/projects/network-promcr/default.html

 33

11) Social Dialogue on the Perspectives of the European Land Armament Sector

Project title 

Social Dialogue on the Perspectives of the European Land Armament Sector

Identification of the call
Project identification number
Policy area

VP/2011/008
VS/2011/0529
Social dialogue

Policy sub-area
Type of activity

Direct target groups
Ultimate target groups

Participating countries
EU contribution (Euro)

Project duration
Coordinator
Partners

Land armament sector
Research, Partnership building

Social and economic partners
Employers, Employees

France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Finland, Portugal, Poland, Romania
177 919

March 2012 - February 2013 (10 months)
European Metalworkers Federation
ACV-CSC METEA, France
Federation of Industry: CCOO, Spain 
Federation of Trade Unions of Defence Industries, Armament and Assimila-
ted  
Sectors, France
General Dynamics. European Land Systems – Santa Bárbara Sistemas, 
Spain

 34

Results:  This  project  contributed 
to  developing  a  common  knowledge  and  understanding  among  
stakeholders  about  the  perspectives  of  the  land  armament  sector  in  Europe,  and  provided  a  basis  for  
discussions on the upcoming challenges. It is a good practice example of a dialogue between European social partners 
on the perspectives of the European land armament sector.

change,  developing  
Project  description:  The  project  aimed  at 
capacities,  building  structures  of  communication  between  stakeholders,  and 
to  
minimize  social  consequences  of  restructuring  in  the  sector.  It  directly  involved  trade  union  officers  and  worker  
representatives from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Finland, Portugal, Poland and Romania. 

improving  expertise,  monitoring 

improving  participation 

A  comprehensive  study  on  the  issues  of  upcoming  challenges  for  the  European  land  armament  sector  and 
their  potential  impact  on  employment  in  the  medium  and  long  term  was  produced.  The  European-level  
comparisons as well as country specific information, including 7 country case studies, was generated. Many meeting 
possibilities, including the final conference, were offered for the worker representatives and other stakeholders of the 
sector. 

Context:The  project  was  initiated  by  the  industriAll  Europe  defence  work  group  at  the  time  when  the  
European defence, especially land armament, sector was at risk of a large-scale restructuring and faced far-reaching 
challenges as a result of decreasing defence expenditure, the limited availability of European cooperation programmes 
and the lack of a European defence strategy.

Conclusion  and  follow-up:  The  project  resulted  in  a  political  declaration  in  which  the  trade  unions  
affiliated  to  industriAll  Europe  demanded  greater  cooperation  of  EU  Member  States  on  Security  and  Defence  
Policy,  linked  to  a  strong  European  industrial  policy  for  the  defence  sector.  As  a  direct  follow-up  to  the  project,  
industriAll  Europe  was  invited  by  the  European  Defence  Agency  to  consider  cooperating  in  a  future  initiative  on  
strengthening a knowledge, skills and competence base in Europe for defence and security.

The Study on the Perspectives of the European Land Armament Sector is available at
http://www.industriall-europe.eu/sectors/defence/2012/INFF_E3779_Final%20Report_v03-EN.pdf

 35

12) Restructuring in the Telecommunications Sector

Project title 

Identification of the call
Project identification number
Policy area

Restructuring in the Telecommunications Sector: Development of Good Prac-
tices and Guidelines for Action
VP/2011/008
VS/2011/0540
Working conditions, adaptation to change and restructuring

Policy sub-area
Type of activity

Direct target groups

Ultimate target groups

Participating countries

EU contribution (Euro)

Project duration
Coordinator

Partners

Telecommunications sector
Exchange of good practices, Partnership building

Social and economic partners

Employers, Employees

Portugal, Ireland, Norway, Estonia, Romania, Spain, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, 
Italy, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic 
112 965

December 2011 - December 2012 (12 months)
National Union of Workers in Telecommunications and Audiovisual Sectors, 
Portugal
Communications Workers’ Union, Ireland
EL & IT Forbundet - for energy, electrical engineering,  
telecommunications and IT workers, Norway
Estonian Communications and Service Workers, Estonia
Federation of Trade Unions ROMTELECOM, Romania
FSC CCOO Communications, Spain
Greek Telecom Employees’ Federation, Greece
Latvian Post and Telecommunications Workers’ Trade Union, Latvia 
Lithuanian Post and Telecommunications Workers’ Trade Union, Lithuania
Communication Workers Union (SLC-CGIL), Italy
Trade Union Communications of Slovakia, Slovakia
Trade Union Federation Communications, Bulgaria 
UGT – State Communications Sector, Spain 
Trade Union of Workers in Postal, Telecommunications and  
Newspaper Services, Czech Republic 
UNI-EUROPA GLOBAL UNION

 36

Results:  This  project  resulted  in  a  common  approach  of  social  partners  to  dealing  with  restructuring,  which  was  
summarised  in  the  Telecommunications  Sector  “Guidelines  for  Action  in  Times  of  Restructuring”.  These  Guidelines 
for  action  do  not  pretend  to  be  a  “one  size  fits  all”  solution,  but  rather  a  tool  which  adds  to  existing  frameworks, 
such  as  national  legislation  or  collective  agreements.  They  take  into  account  the  global  changing  nature  of  the  
telecommunications industry and its permanent technological and innovative development and are intended to be used 
by trade unions and trade union representatives when engaging, as social partners, in bargaining or dialogue processes 
with companies in times of restructuring and change.

initiated 

The  project  was 

trade  unions  and  workers  
Project  description: 
representatives  of  the  telecommunications  sector  prepare  to  respond  to  challenges  and,  consequent-
ly,  be  in  a  position  to  put  in  place  the  necessary  mechanisms  and  tools  to  better  represent  not  only  the  workers’  
interests  but  also  to  contribute  to  a  long-term  and  sustainable  company  success  and  progress.  To  that  end,  the  
project aimed at the exchange of good practices, the development of guidelines for action to be taken in the event of  
restructuring, and partnership building. The target group of the project were trade union and representatives of already 
existing European Works Councils within the Telecommunications and Media sectors.

in  order 

to  help 

Context: The Telecommunications industry has been characterised by a rapid change in terms of business structure, 
new technologies, trade liberalisation, globalisation, deregulation, convergence and privatisation. Rapid innovation, new 
services and products, the appearance of social media and services have posed new challenges and call for a strategy 
change of companies with impacts on employment, new jobs and skills and the way that people work and will live in 
the future. Therefore, trade unions and workers within the industry have been confronted with the need to adapt to new 
working methods, changes in skills, education and training measures. 

follow-up:  This  project  was  of 

telecommunications  
Conclusion  and 
workers  as,  for  the  first  time,  they  were  given  an  opportunity  to  have  information  on  how  they  can  fully  be  
involved  in  matters  which  concern  them  within  multinational  undertakings.  The  project  has  improved  the  
participants’  knowledge  of  the  European  Telecommunications  Social  Dialogue  and  its  main  features,  so  that  
representatives of trade unions could be better prepared to engage as social partners in a decision-making with regard 
to the challenges in the telecommunications sector at the national or European level.

the  utmost 

importance 

for 

Project website:
http://www.seminar.sinttav.org/2012/dos/Seminar_1_2012/presentation/Brochura%20Seminar%20RTC_EN.pdf

 37

 38

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