The europeanisation of industrial relations

Based on extensive field work (including interviews with trade unionists, members of works councils and management representatives) this book provides both a national and comparative assessment of European IR systems, focussing on the four major European economies of Germany, UK, Italy and France. Particular attention is given to the concept of 'Europeanisation', including the potential Europeanising of collective bargaining at plant and enterprise level; the development of Europe-wide employer and employee associations; the role of social dialogue; and the role of the European legislation process. Five detailed company cases are also provided, focussing on management decisions affecting employees in different countries and the role of European Works Councils in this context. The book concludes that the development of industrial relations in Europe has to be seen as a combination of sometimes contradictory European and national processes.