Affiliated to CEC - European Managers

European company (SE):  Representation of executives
as an indispensable prerequisite for success

The European executives of the chemical industry demand that their representatives must be granted both seat and vote in the negotiation and supervisory boards of the European Company (Societas Europaea, SE)., The European Federation FECCIA representing 40 000 managerial and professional staff in Chemistry in Europe, observes the introduction of the European company in its industrial sector critically. FECCIA claims that executives must also be represented in the SE like the other employees.

The chemical industry of the European Union is an important factor for the economic growth . It offers opportunities for qualified employment with professional development prospects  for many people in Europe. The crucial role of executives consists in guaranteeing a top-down and bottom-up communication in the enterprise. Thus they improve the efficiency of their enterprises and create the economic and social conditions which ensure continuity.

Executives in Europe are therefore indispensable in order to guarantee progress. The negotiation and supervisory boards of the European company must mirror this.

FECCIA endorsed the introduction of the SE

FECCIA has argued for the European company as early as in 1991. At the same time it claimed an appropriate representation of executives and managers.

Gil-Roblès resolution of the European Parliament

Representation of executives varies from one country to another in the European Union.  Nevertheless only a representation based on specific rules (protection of minorities and thus ensuring plurality) entitles and enables them to have both seat and vote in the employees’ representation bodies.

The Gil-Roblès resolution of the European Parliament of June, 25th, 1993 has adopted a non-prescriptive position on the "right of managers to information consultation and autonomous representation in existing or future dialogue forums".

The Gil-Roblès resolution also asks the Commission to take, if necessary, appropriate initiatives to guarantee the following:  the right of managers to information, consultation and representation allowing them to sit and to act in an effective manner inside existing or future dialogue forums for all employees, notably in the framework of the status of a European Company.

FECCIA requires a representation of the executives in the SE

The Gil-Roblès resolution of June 25th, 1993 must now be implemented as the Directive of 2001 does not guarantee executives their right to both seat and vote in the negotiation or supervisory bodies.

The course of current negotiations, in particular at BASF, does not at all guarantee an appropriate representation of managers. All the more FECCIA is determined to enforce this representation in the SE.