Collective Labour Law in Europe in a Comparative Perspective. Collective Agreements, Settlement of Disputes and Workers’ Participation (Part I)

Abstract

Abstract: Collective agreements and industrial action, workers’ representation at plant and enterprise level, and participation in management boards are often at the centre of political debate. They play an important role whenever labour law is considered as a factor for making a country an attractive business location. It is therefore of interest to compare the legal situations in the EU Member States. This article focuses on legal structures rather than on industrial relations, revealing a wide variation. With regard to collective agreements there is a common core of European law, though countries differ considerably. There is wide variation in terms of industrial action, and in terms of strikes for better working conditions. There are also great differences in employees’ representation and participation beyond information and consultation on general matters. A detailed examination of the legal situations seems to be a prerequisite for any reflection on the harmonisation of labour law.