European integration and industrial relations. Theoretical approaches, political processes, and institutional outcomes

Abstract

The article examines European industrial relations in their development over time since the first tripartite negotiations between the European public authorities and the representative trade unions and employers’ organizations in the late 1950s. The focus lies strictly on the European layer of industrial relations. Our theoretical framework builds on the review of the main Political Economy approaches with regards to the Europeanization process. We explore the potential for convergence, multi-level harmonization or disruption of European industrial relations and their interdependence with and impact on national industrial relations systems. The article describes the main constituent parts of European industrial relations, which are deployed along four interlinked institutional dimensions: tripartite concertation; cross-industry social dialogue; sectoral social dialogue; and employee representation at community-scale firms. The findings substantiate that European industrial relations constitute an incomplete but perfectly traceable layer of multi-level regulation, with harmonization effects over time on labour and working conditions in Europe.