The international workshop, initially scheduled for a face-to-face meeting on 19-20 June 2023, had to be held online due to budget constraints. The European Commission (EC) was informed and approved the change. The workshop was moderated by an expert and focused on various aspects. These included presenting research analysis results, exchanging comments from different perspectives, discussing EU legislation on information and consultation mechanisms, and finding effective solutions to address the impact of COVID-19 measures on the labor force. The workshop highlighted the following key points:

1. Factors for Successful Consultation and Participation: The participants agreed that for information, consultation, and participation processes to be successful, certain factors need to be established. These factors include credibility, stability in employment contracts, awareness of the importance of information and transparency, simplifying decisions, mutual trust, cooperation, employee retention, and unity in times of crisis.
2. New Challenges in the Transport Sector: The participants recognized significant challenges faced by the transport sector. These challenges included incorporating new technologies and artificial intelligence in transport logistics, reducing accidents at work, improving customs and border management, retaining talent, restoring confidence in public transport, enhancing rail infrastructure, improving logistical connections between regions, improving access to seaports, securing financial support from governments, designing mobility plans, simplifying administrative procedures, and addressing global goals related to sustainable development and greenhouse gas emissions reduction.
3. Dialogue and Understanding: Participants emphasized the importance of dialogue and understanding among government leaders, trade unions, and business representatives. They highlighted the need for social dialogue to improve collaboration, both within companies and between different stakeholders. Creating spaces for dialogue and employee participation was seen as crucial to contribute viewpoints, proposals, and knowledge.
4. Reflections and Conclusions: Participating countries reflected on their experiences during the workshop. They acknowledged the possibility and importance of exercising the right to consultation and participation. Countries shared their realities, expressed interest in forming a network to exchange information and solutions, emphasized the need for cooperation, and discussed the challenges faced in implementing regulations. They also highlighted the importance of learning from successful negotiation experiences, promoting solidarity, improving trade union representation and cohesion, and enhancing social dialogue. Continuous development, training, digitalization, and the formulation of common strategies to reduce emissions were seen as essential for the sector’s future.

The workshop concluded with discussions on the next steps of the project, including organization and dissemination plans.