Definitions for "Social partners"
is the term used to refer to employers' and workers' organizations engaged in dialogue -- or partnership -- with government in the determination of social and labour policies.
The Commission is required to consult various social partners when it wants to submit proposals in this field. This occurs via the three main organisations: the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), the Union of Industries of the European Community (UNICE) and the European Centre for Public Enterprise (CEEP). (See also Social dialogue.)
Organised representatives of labour market interests such as employers associations and trades unions.