Looking for European solutions. Trade unions in Central and Eastern Europe striving for cross-border solidarity

Jan Czarzasty, SÅ‚awomir Adamczyk and Barbara Surdykowska
Additional contact information
Jan Czarzasty: 49670SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Poland
Sławomir Adamczyk: NSZZ Solidarność, Poland
Barbara Surdykowska: NSZZ Solidarność, Poland

Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, 2020, vol. 26, issue 3, 307-323

Abstract: This article deals with the dilemmas faced by trade unions from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) in the context of their relations with western European (EU-15) unions and the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). The issue of cross-border solidarity is re-examined, taking into account its historical meanings as well as current developments under the pressures of globalisation and EU integration. The article analyses key factors affecting East–West trade union relations – different views within the ETUC, discontinuities in European social dialogue, challenges faced by European works councils and the uncertain future of transnational company agreements. Major dilemmas CEE unions cope with vis-à -vis their western counterparts are outlined. The question of how to achieve a common interest platform for trade unions from Central and Eastern Europe and from western Europe is raised, followed by a suggestion that ‘downward convergence’ in industrial relations is bringing the two regions closer.

Keywords: Trade unions; Central and Eastern Europe; ETUC; European social dialogue; European Works Councils; transnational company agreements (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:treure:v:26:y:2020:i:3:p:307-323

DOI: 10.1177/1024258920933117

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