COMMERCE WHAT FUTURE ? A trade union perspective 06/ 07 December 2011, BXL FABRICE WARNECK

Challenges Increasing competition from multinationals versus SMEs New technologies Economic crisis

Competition Multinational companies control the national markets: strong lobbying role on national goverments and EU institutions What pressure on / from providers (also big multinationals like e.g. Coca-cola) SMEs v. multinationals. What future for cooperatives ?

Competition (2) Pressure to opening on Sundays, night, holidays Development of different business models: franchising (Carrefour, H&M, …), outsourcing (Metro), co-ownership (Ikea), … Lack of regulation to open a new business Increasing cost of real estate

New technologies Self scanning, self check out, RFID, e-commerce What consequences on labour force ? Job cuts, redeployment, training E.U. S.D. and National C.B. : analyse, exchange of experiences, launch programs of education

Economic crisis Less demand, fear First, SMEs have closed Multinationals have used the crisis as an excuse to increase workload and freeze wages Since 2011 some multinationals start being affected: closing shops, selling logistics/ transport, outsourcing departments, cuting investments for new shops

Crisis consequences Multi-tasking job cuts fix- term contracts increasing workload Wages freezed Lack of motivation High workforce turnover and absenteism Low know-how and experience strikes

Solutions Collective bargaining at National (Regional) Company level Unite to be strong No Social dumping, same rules for all (minimum wage) Education: keep experienced workers, train workers for quality services Keep customers satisfied Collective bargaining at National (Regional) Company level EWCs and W.C.s Bipartite, tripartite funds and bodies LAW should be respected

Future Increase the commerce sector added value for customers Increase workers satisfaction Improve quality of services and develop new services Improve working conditions and education