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

2. Challenges Increasing competition from multinationals versus SMEs
New technologies
Economic crisis

3. 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 ?

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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