Promoting Employee Involvement In Dispute Prevention and Resolution in the Face of the Restructuring Taking Place Due to the Twin Transition in Europe’s Metal Sector

ongoing

The European Metal industry frequently experiences conflicts and clashes of interest, particularly during the restructuring process due to changes brought about by the twin transition to Industry 5.0. Undertakings in the European metal sector are adapting to these changes. However, navigating the twin transitions presents specific restructuring challenges in the metal sector that significantly affect work organization and employee-employer relations, often leading to a lack of employee involvement and consultations, as well as disputes and conflicts at the workplace. As the sector invests in a clean energy approach and incorporates digital manufacturing, employees previously skilled in 'traditional' methods may find their expertise less relevant and require upskilling initiatives. If the twin transition is not accompanied by relevant information, consultation, and participation measures, disputes can arise at the workplace. These disputes ultimately affect the 'just' aspect of the twin transition. The Metallica project aims to realize workers' rights to information, consultation, and participation in the metal sector and to build their capacity to engage in effective dispute prevention and resolution during the companies' measures to adapt to the twin transition (green and digital). To address the challenges faced by metal sector stakeholders, the Metallica project will implement a comprehensive approach consulted with project target groups and implement activities such as national research and analysis, preparation of publications, and online learning OERs on dispute prevention and the twin transition, among others. The project corresponds to the objective of the Call and will be implemented in Bulgaria, Poland, North Macedonia, Slovakia, Portugal, Italy, and Spain.