The EU and industrial relations modernization: supranational state support for trade union and social partner modernization and social dialogue

Abstract

This article looks at how modernization in industrial relations is premised on a renewal and renovation of the social partnership and social dialogue agenda at the European Union (EU) level. It illustrates the attempts that have been made by the supranational state to set up a new regime of regulation in the EU. It consists of support initiatives that are aimed at deepening the ability of social and economic actors within EU policy networks and communities to develop learning capacity at the supranational level. Hence, the article argues that industrial relations modernization at the supranational level in the EU needs to be understood in terms of these various collaborative and networking practices. They are sustained by new forms of direct state support at the supranational level.

Keywords:

• employment relations
• Europe
• industrial relations modernization
• networking
• partnership
• regulation

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the referees and Miguel Martinez Lucio for very stimulating comments and guidance during the preparation of this article.

Notes

1. Article 136 of the Amsterdam Treaty: ‘The promotion of employment, improved living and working conditions, so as to make possible their harmonization while the improvement is being maintained, proper social protection, dialogue between management and labour, the development of human resources with a view to lasting employment and the combating of exclusion.’

2. This reflects a more general attempt by the EMF to establish a regulatory framework for transnational collective bargaining at the company level in line with the European Commission (see the paper by Ales et al. 2006).

3. http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/restructuring/index_en.htm.