New Cefic group formed to promote open dialogue with trade unions

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For further information :	Nicole MARECHAL	+ 32 2 676 72 18
	Marc DEVISSCHER	+ 32 2 676 72 23

NEW CEFIC GROUP FORMED TO PROMOTE OPEN DIALOGUE
WITH TRADE UNIONS

Berlin / Brussels, 5 December 2001 - The formation of a new group called the European Chemical Employers Group, ECEG, to promote open dialogue between the chemical unions and the chemical industry was announced today at the 2^nd "European Social Partner Conference of the Chemical Industry" in Berlin.

The Group has been formed as a part of Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council, to enable National Federations of the chemical industry and Chemical Employer's Associations to meet and talk in a structured way at the European level with social partners. This is a follow-up of talks that had already started between Cefic and EMCEF, European Mine, Chemicals and Energy Workers’ Federation, on subjects and issues of mutual interest such as the EU Chemicals Policy Review and Responsible Care.

It has been formally agreed that the dialogues organised through the new Group will not lead to any contractual arrangements or collective bargaining.

Eggert Voscherau, Cefic Vice President, announced at this conference that the end November Cefic Board meeting approved the formation of the ECEG Group, which will become operational in January 2002. He also stated: "For many reasons, the future of the European chemical industry is at stake. It is time for us to move a step further to strengthen our co-operation with social partners".

The European conference in Berlin was attended by over 100 delegates and was organised at the invitation of the German Federation of Chemical Employer's Associations, BAVC, jointly with the Mine, Chemical and Energy Industrial Union, IG BCE, and in co-operation with the German Chemical Industry Association, VCI.

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