European Collective Bargaining: A Virtual Prospect?

Abstract

Recent developments in the EU have given renewed impetus to the prospect of European‐level collective bargaining. Greater divergence within national systems of industrial relations alongside the emergence of European‐level structures is reflected in the emergence of nascent forms of European collective bargaining at three levels: interprofessional, sector and Euro‐company. Best described as ‘virtual collective bargaining’, these embrace two processes: the conclusion of ‘framework agreements’ or ‘joint opinions’ which establish bargaining parameters for national‐level actors; and ‘arms length’ bargaining, where the parties do not negotiate directly, but where bargaining outcomes are increasingly anticipated and co‐ordinated across countries. EMU is likely to accelerate these processes.