LUXEMBOURG (AP) _ European Union ministers agreed Monday on rules that will oblige businesses across the 15-nation bloc to supply more information to their employees about developments within the company including planned layoffs.
The agreement came after four years of negotiations during which Britain had led a minority of EU nations that had blocked the new rules fearing they would harm the competitiveness of businesses.
The British government said it dropped its objections after the others agreed to phase in the new rules more gradually for smaller companies.
It said the measures would apply only to companies employing 150 or more workers when it comes into force in three years. It will take two more years to apply it to companies with 100 to 150 workers an affect companies with 50-100 employees only after a seven year transition.
``We all agree that it is unacceptable for workers to be kept in the dark about important decisions affecting their livelihoods,'' said British Industry Minister Peter Hain. ``But we did not want a rigid one-size-fits-all proposal.''
Plans to set common rules on worker information was first proposed in 1998 after French carmaker Renault announced the surprise closure of a plant in Belgium, without first warning the work force_ something it would be obliged to do in France.
Recent closures in mainland Europe by British retailer Marks & Spencer and cutbacks by French food company Danone further highlighted the need for such legislation, said the Swedish government which chaired the EU employment and social policy meeting.
``It is important to highlight that participation, mutual respect and dialogue contributes to businesses' effectiveness and competitiveness,'' said Mona Sahlin, Sweden's labor minister.
``This directive also means that there will be a level playing field for all member states regarding information and consultations to employees.''
The ministers also agreed on amendments to EU directives on sexual equality in the workplace, agreeing to common rules to combat sexual harassment and urging governments to consider the rights of fathers as well as mothers to take more time off work after the birth of a child.
In a third agreement, the ministers adopted proposals to tighten controls on potentially harmful noise in workplaces.
The agreements reached by the ministers still face final approval by the European Parliament.