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Labour relations, collective bargaining and employee voice in SMEs in central and eastern Europe

Author

Listed:
  • Miklós Illessy

    (Research Associate, Institute of Sociology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest)

  • Vassil Kirov

    (Research Fellow, Institute of Sociology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia)

  • Csaba Makó

    (Professor, Institute of Sociology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest)

  • Svetla Stoeva

    (Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Sofia University, ‘St. Kliment Ohridski’)

Abstract

Drawing upon the examples of Bulgaria and Hungary, this article explores employee representation and voice in SMEs in central and eastern Europe in the context of the spectacular development of the SME sector during the post-1990 transition and associated changes in labour relations and collective bargaining practices. The article examines the relationship between the regulation of employment relations and employee representation and voice. It suggests that the absence of formal channels of representation in SMEs hides the existence of a number of informal compromises between employers and employees over matters such as wages, working time, and health and safety conditions. The authors argue that future trade union strategies should be based on a clear understanding of these social realities.

Suggested Citation

  • Miklós Illessy & Vassil Kirov & Csaba Makó & Svetla Stoeva, 2007. "Labour relations, collective bargaining and employee voice in SMEs in central and eastern Europe," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 13(1), pages 95-113, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:treure:v:13:y:2007:i:1:p:95-113
    DOI: 10.1177/102425890701300109
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kornai, Janos, 1992. "The Socialist System: The Political Economy of Communism," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198287766.
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