The continuing tensions between European works councils and trade unions - a comparative study of the financial sector

Abstract

The development of a European system of industrial relations has been identified by a number of key European-level actors as essential to the future of the European social model. In particular, this article outlines trade union strategy vis-à-vis European works councils (EWCs) and the extent to which the trade unions may help or hinder the use of EWCs as a springboard to a European system of industrial relations. Data collection comprised primarily interviews, but the validity of the findings is reinforced by the analysis of strategy documents and sectoral EWC agreements. The research focuses on the financial services sector. The research found that, currently, disagreements between unions regarding their role in relation to EWCs mean that the latter are struggling to develop a role which would make possible a European system of industrial relations.