ABSTRACT
Democratic participation is a dynamic process that has to be constantly proposed, learned and defended. Several other studies have emphasized that it is necessary to take the broader and longer view, to understand the nature of participation as a learning process that leads to the gradual further democratization of labour relations. Regional conflicts emerged and ethnic cleansing dealt the final blow to a country that was once the proud reference point for democratic participation. More democratized labour relations or the strengthening of democratic participation can be important steps in the direction of a more just and democratic society. Leisink compares employee perceptions of democratic participation with existing practice and attempts at institutional innovation in information and communications industry in Netherlands, evaluating the implications for trade union policy. The ‘bread and butter’ and ‘consolidation’ scenarios, and the scenario ‘for growth of democratic participation’, were elaborated in the Kester and Pinaud volume with special reference to possible trade union roles and strategies.
