THE HAGUE, 17/06/08 - The works councils (ORs) of bourse-listed companies are to have the statutory right to speak at shareholders meetings. The cabinet is adopting a recommendation to this end by the Socio-Economic Council (SER).

"The regulations for co-participation protect Dutch employees of (listed) companies sufficiently. A fundamental revision of these regulations is therefore unnecessary. But works councils will be given the statutory right to speak at the general meeting of shareholders," the cabinet said.

The cabinet has embraced the SER's 'Balanced Company Management' recommendations. The Justice Minister will include the OR's right to speak in a proposed bill. Regarding the position of employees in companies that operate internationally within Europe, the cabinet will await a proposal by the European Commission.