Social dialogue – different voices, common vision
17^th November 2005
Cumberland Hotel, Marble Arch, London

A UK Presidency conference was held on 17^th November 2005 in London to discuss European Social Dialogue. Participants from the Commission, Member States, European social partners and national business representatives and trade union organisations attended in order to share ideas and good practice.

The conference focussed on practical ways to improve social dialogue, especially where sectors are mainly comprised of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It also looked at the implementation of European social partner agreements by different Member States. A research paper produced prior to the conference looked at the ways in which SMEs are represented at both national and European levels, and suggested possible ways to encourage small firm workers and managers to participate in social dialogue.

For more information on the conference click here.

It was decided that a web-based tool to support and promote good work organisation practices might be useful, and the Commission agreed to assist in taking this idea further.

For more information about the conclusions of the conference click here.