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European association for employers operating in not-for-profit sport, professional sport and active leisure | |
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Building the Social Dialogue in the Sport Sector - BSDSS project03.09.01 – 04.08.31 PartnershipThe BSDSS project was run by 2 European social partner organisations: the European Association of Sport Employers (EASE) and UNI–Europa (European umbrella organisation of employees including the sport sector), in close co–operation with the European Observatoire of Sport and Employment (EOSE). All the 3 partners expressed commitment and ownership of social dialogue in the first project on social dialogue ("Preparing for a Social Dialogue in the Sport sector") mentioned above. Objectives of the ConferenceAt the Conference the partners expressed their will to fulfil 4 main objectives by granting the opportunity to all identified social partners operating in the sport sector in Europe, – to meet with each other, share information and discuss the future of the European sport sector as a "social partners' community"; – to discuss and decide on the contents of the social dialogue in the sport sector in the next 2 to 3 years; – to discuss and decide on a structure for an effective and efficient social dialogue in the sport sector in Europe taking into account the diversity of the sector; – to propose a plan to involve more countries, including the 10 new countries in the social dialogue in the sport sector in Europe. The Conference was attended by 36 delegates from 11 different countries (Italy, France, the Netherlands, UK, Sweden, Belgium, Spain, Denmark, Germany, Lithuania, Bulgaria) including 2 new countries. Almost all the delegates represented social partner organisations which was very crucial for the discussions. Important statementsSince it was not possible to collect all the different presentations, an overview of some important statements is listed: – the need for a sector wide social dialogue in the sport sector was reconfirmed but in tandem with existing initiatives in sub–sectors e.g. professional sport (soccer), commercial sport (fitness) etc; – existing European social partner organisations (EASE and UNI–Europa) must strengthen their position by increasing the number of member organisations; – it is possible, within a year, to have the employees and employers in the sport sector organised at a European level in 14/15 countries but with no representatives of the new countries; – a pro–active strategy from existing national and European social partners is needed to be able to integrate social partners in the new countries in the European social dialogue in the sport sector. PrinciplesThe Conference re–affirmed its commitment to promote and develope the social dialogue at the European level in the sport sector. The approach to social dialogue should be inclusive providing the opportunity for all EU countries, all specialist sectors and all occupations to be involved. One of the aims of the dialogue at the European level will be to strengthen the social dialogue at a national and specialist sector level. The term "Specialist sector" is used within this Declaration to describe parts of the Sport sector such as football, and cycling where independent work is currently underway to develop social dialogues. The Conference wished to offer to these groups the opportunity to participate in a broader dialogue. RecommendationsIt was recommended to the social partners (EASE + UNI–Europa): 1. to establish a provisional board to lead and coordinate the development of the social dialogue at the European level. 2. to work towards the establishment of a sectoral social dialogue committee that can be formally recognised by the European Commission. The Provisional Board will be composed of representatives of the social partners from each participating country with the goal of achieving: 1. the equal representation of employees and employers; 2. representation from each EU country; 3. formal recognition from the European Commission. The Provisional Board shall invite representatives from specialist sectors where the social dialogue is also under development to participate in the work of the board. The Provisional Board is asked to: 1. establish priorities for the social dialogue from the list of topics proposed by the Conference; 2. establish the criteria for the involvement of national representatives on the Board. Initially, to consider 3 levels of involvement: 1. "Full status" – an organisation of employees or employers with the formal mandate (authority) within a country to represent all sport at a European level; 2. "Specialist status" an organisation of employers or employees with the mandate to represent a specialist sector at a European level e.g. football, fitness etc… 3. "Correspondent status" willing to work within either EASE or UNI–Europa and willing to take the lead in establishing a representative structure for either employers or employees in their own particular country (it is envisaged that initially most participants in the Board will be correspondents, not having a fully representative mandate across sport).  Back to the topMore articles |
Database social partnersDatabase of the employer and employee organisations in the EU25 (as of 31.12.2006) EQF projects10.05.25 European social dialogue in professional footballThe European Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for professional football – launched on 1st July 08 – brings together the International Federation of Professional Footballers' Associations-Division Europe (FIFPro) and the Association of European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL). The employers' side is complemented by the European Club Association (ECA). Given the specificity of sport governance, the social partners have invited UEFA to chair their dialogue. Search |
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