ABSTRACT
European works councils (EWCs) provide a jumping off point for international co-operation at group and workplace level, not only between employee representatives but also between the trade unions represented in the companies. By the year 2000, some 1,500 undertakings operating across Europe are expected to have an EWC. There are a number of reasons why EWCs are likely to become one of the key pillars of a Europeanisation of industrial relations. Their introduction in line with the requirements of the Directive will open up a negotiating space between EWCs and group managements. What is certain is that without close interaction between EWCs and trade unions the EWC as an institution will not become a motor for the development of a European-level of industrial relations. However, even trade unions with strong national memberships, and a corresponding organisational capacity, will experience problems in servicing EWCs. The 1994 EWC Directive provides for a revision to take place in 1999.
