Information and consultation of employees: general framework

The Commission can accept two amendments in full, three in principle and rejects eight of the proposed amendments. Those accepted in full refer to the definition of "social partner" and the "content of consultation". In terms of those accepted in principle, the Commission can accept, subject to the inclusion of a new recital, amendments relating to sanctions, the promotion of social dialogue withing SMEs and the application of the principle behind this Directive in Public Administrations. Those rejected by the Commission relate to: - workers' representatives, a definition of information, definition of consultation, content of consultation and the content of agreements between the social partners. In all these cases the Commission is of the opinion that the Council's definitions are more appropriate. - in the case of "content of information" the Commission considers the wording introduced by the Parliament to be excessibely detailed. - concerning the transitional provisions, the Commission is of the opinion that changes are inappropriate since Member States will have to make substantial efforts to achieve implementation, given the absence of general rules in this field.�