Practical arrangements for information and consultation
Article 4
1
In accordance with the principles set out in Article 1 and without prejudice to any provisions and/or practices in force more favourable to employees, the Member States shall determine the practical arrangements for exercising the right to information and consultation at the appropriate level in accordance with this Article.
2
Information and consultation shall cover:
a
information on the recent and probable development of the undertaking's or the establishment's activities and economic situation;
b
information and consultation on the situation, structure and probable development of employment within the undertaking or establishment and on any anticipatory measures envisaged, in particular where there is a threat to employment;
c
information and consultation on decisions likely to lead to substantial changes in work organisation or in contractual relations, including those covered by the Community provisions referred to in Article 9(1).
3
Information shall be given at such time, in such fashion and with such content as are appropriate to enable, in particular, employees' representatives to conduct an adequate study and, where necessary, prepare for consultation.
4
Consultation shall take place:
a
while ensuring that the timing, method and content thereof are appropriate;
b
at the relevant level of management and representation, depending on the subject under discussion;
c
on the basis of information supplied by the employer in accordance with Article 2(f) and of the opinion which the employees' representatives are entitled to formulate;
d
in such a way as to enable employees' representatives to meet the employer and obtain a response, and the reasons for that response, to any opinion they might formulate;
e
with a view to reaching an agreement on decisions within the scope of the employer's powers referred to in paragraph 2(c).