European Works Councils and Their Implications: The Potential Impact on Employer Practices and Trade Unions

Examines the development of the current position in Britain, along with initiatives at EC and now EU level, to institutionalize collective structures for employee involvement along common lines. In the context of the latter, the emphasis will be on the European Commission′s proposals for European undertakings to establish European works councils(EWCs). As will be detailed below, these proposals were contained in a draft directive, agreed in 1991, and are now being progressed under the provisions of the Social Protocol. Also draws on empirical research undertaken in East Anglia to determine the extent to which trade unions continue to be recognized, and the employers′ awareness of the content of EC/EU initiatives. Discusses the implications of this research for the future direction of employee involvement in this country. Particular emphasis is given to the interests of trade unions and the extent to which they should welcome initiatives from the EU, such as the EWC Directive.