The Future of European Print Industry is in its Own Hands
The European printing industry is in the midst of a structural crisis that will result in significant changes in the sector. Many companies may close down or merge. However, there are many opportunities for those willing to make use of the new technology and diversify into new market areas. The human implications of the changes will be unavoidable. A study and practical advice on how to restructure in a socially responsible manner, gathered under an employer (represented by Intergraf) and employee (represented by UNI Europa Graphical) EU-funded project, was presented on the 23rd November in Brussels.
The study carried out by UK-based Facta Consult reveals that the issue of overcapacity and price competition impacts the printing sector as a whole. Changes in customer behaviour and a shift to the web and other e-solutions are reducing demand for print. The workforce implications of the changes underway are significant, as both comments and the quantitative study confirm. These feature a number of defensive strategies, including closing down or selling the business, and reducing the size of plant and numbers of staff in addition to many positive steps that companies can take.
The great structural changes mean that ways of working for those remaining in businesses will continue to transform. Staying competitive will require additional flexibility to meet an increasingly demanding market. Multiskilling as well as general upskilling of the workforce will be essential in responding to the requirements of new technology. Companies will also need to focus on the quality of management as well as marketing and sales skills in order to realise the full potential of their businesses. Only those with ability to manage change and identify new opportunities will prosper in the long-term.
The study concludes that the dilemma created by the human implications of restructuring is acute but cannot be avoided. It will require enhanced communication, careful management and consultation with unions and employees so that restructuring can be managed in a fair and reasonable way.
Tony Burke from Unite (UK), one of the project partners, comments: “The report and toolkit have been the subject of detailed discussions between the social partners - the unions and employers. The documents will help inform companies and employees on how to handle the technological and economic change that is affecting the printing industry across Europe. Most importantly, the study stresses the need for change within the printing industry, to be the subject of information, consultation and negotiation by employers and unions. Together, they can realise the full potential of the industry and overcome the challenges.”
The study and the toolkit are based on two residential workshops, over 50 individual interviews as well as an internet-based survey. Responses mainly came from Western Europe (Germany, UK, Italy, Netherlands, Finland and Belgium).
The two documents were presented in a conference Printing Matters for the Future on the 23rd November in Brussels. In addition, the agenda featured best practice examples, customer perspectives, and company stories on innovation and diversification. The event was open to all Intergraf associations, UNI Europa Graphical and affiliates, and company and employee representatives.
The study with best practice examples and the toolkit are available in printed and e-format in English. The French, German and Italian translations will be available electronically by the end of the year at the project website http://www.intergraf.eu/responsible_restructuring free of charge. The cost of the printed version (only available in English) is 25 € plus postage. Copies can be ordered from Intergraf.
The one-year project Best Practices in Socially Responsible Restructuring for Printing Companies is a joint initiative involving Intergraf, KVGO (Netherlands), Assografici (Italy), bvdm (Germany), trade unions FISTEL-CISL (Italy), UNITE (UK), Ver.di (Germany) and UNI Europa Graphical. It is funded by the European Commission’s DG Employment. The aim of the project was to identify and tackle the printing sector’s challenges in both the short and the long-term, assessing restructuring and its social dimension from different angles, ranging from company re-orientation to downsizing. It marked the first time that social partners in the printing industry at European level - supported by their national affiliates - engaged themselves in a discussion on the topic. The project was launched in December 2009 and ended at the conference.