The European Trade Union Confederation at 40: integration and diversity in the European labor movement

Abstract

Since its creation in 1973, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) has sought to integrate Europe's diverse labor movement within a single organization for the purpose of influencing political developments at the European level. This article examines the ETUC's 40-year history, focusing on internal debates around three fundamental – and contentious – questions: who belongs in a European organization of trade unions? what objectives should the ETUC prioritize? and what tactics will be most effective to advance the interests of workers at the European level? It concludes with an assessment of how enduring internal divisions are likely to limit the ETUC's influence into the future.