European Union: Employee Rights/ Labour Relations

Germany's coalition government has proposed sweeping reforms to employment law that could fundamentally reshape fixed-term contracts, dismissal protection, co-determination rights, and sick leave reporting. The measures aim to strengthen Germany's competitiveness amid technological change, demographic pressure, and international competition, offering employers significantly expanded flexibility while tightening certain compliance requirements.

Der Bundesgerichtshof hat entschieden, dass bei der Ermittlung des Schwellenwerts von 500 Arbeitnehmern nach dem Drittelbeteiligungsgesetz keine wechselseitige Zurechnung von Arbeitnehmern eines Gemeinschaftsbetriebs erfolgt. Maßgeblich ist allein die Anzahl der Arbeitnehmer der Aktiengesellschaft selbst. Diese Entscheidung klärt eine bislang umstrittene Rechtsfrage im Bereich der unternehmerischen Mitbestimmung und schafft Rechtssicherheit für Konzernstrukturen.

Understanding Ireland's work and residence permissions system is crucial for employers hiring international talent. This video explores the requirements for third country nationals seeking employment in Ireland, covering employment permit categories, application prerequisites, and the essential steps employers must complete before bringing foreign workers onboard.

Il Garante Privacy ha sanzionato un'azienda per l'utilizzo illecito di sistemi GPS sui veicoli aziendali che monitoravano i dipendenti ogni 60 secondi. Il provvedimento evidenzia le violazioni dei principi di minimizzazione e proporzionalità del GDPR, nonché l'assenza di una valutazione d'impatto preventiva. La decisione chiarisce quando il controllo tramite geolocalizzazione supera i limiti della liceità, anche in presenza di accordo sindacale.

The Italian Data Protection Authority has ruled against an employer's use of GPS tracking systems in company vehicles, finding that continuous geolocation monitoring of employees violated GDPR principles. The decision examines the balance between legitimate business interests and workers' privacy rights, particularly regarding data minimisation and the requirement for Data Protection Impact Assessments in workplace surveillance scenarios.

Germany's regular works council elections have concluded, bringing new members into established bodies. Understanding the fundamental aspects of works council operations—from release from work duties and training requirements to remuneration rules and the transition of former members—is essential for employers seeking to establish effective cooperation and avoid legal pitfalls.

Greece transposed the EU Pay Transparency Directive in just 33 days, one of the fastest implementations in Europe. This episode explores the consultation process, key legislative changes...

German employment law requires employees to cooperate with internal investigations through fact-finding interviews, but this duty operates within strict boundaries of fairness, proportionality, and whistleblower protection. Organizations must balance their need to secure facts quickly with procedural safeguards including corporate counsel warnings, neutral questioning, representation rights, and compliance with the Whistleblower Protection Act's confidentiality and anti-retaliation requirements.

Malta has implemented comprehensive gender pay gap reporting requirements through the Equal Pay (Transparency and Reporting) Regulations, transposing the EU Pay Transparency Directive.