ABSTRACT
Trade unions have progressively realized the importance of the relationship between these different levels to build up their representativeness and acquire greater independence from political parties, which is particularly important in the transition process. Trade unions now also have to prepare themselves to enter the European Union (EU) and assume the role which is expected of them within it. Nevertheless, trade unions should not reject the principle of promoting such forms of worker participation. In Central and Eastern European countries, workers can influence the decision-making process in various ways: first in an indirect way, as members of trade union organizations; secondly, through works councils and other forms of participation in decision making; and thirdly, through their shares in the ownership of their enterprise, which gives them some power as shareholders.
