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Overstretching solidarity? Trade unions' national perspectives on the European economic and social model

Author

Listed:
  • Marius R. Busemeyer

    (Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies, Paulstr. 3, 50676 Cologne, Germany)

  • Christian Kellermann

    (International Policy Analysis, Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Hiroshimastr. 17, 10785 Berlin, Germany)

  • Alexander Petring

    (Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies, Paulstr. 3, 50676 Cologne, Germany)

  • Andrej Stuchlík

    (Freie Universität Berlin, Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, Ihnestr., 56, 14109 Berlin, Germany)

Abstract

The development of a European economic and social model poses serious challenges for European trade unions. On the one hand, demand for a strengthening of the social dimension of the European integration project is growing and it is realised that this cannot be achieved by unilateral action at the national level. On the other hand, the identities and organisational capacities of trade unions are deeply embedded in national welfare state institutions, limiting the leeway for a common European social model. This article presents empirical evidence from over 100 interviews with trade union leaders and politicians from 17 EU Member States on trade unions' positions in various policy fields (economic, social and competition policies). The conclusion is that unions should reflect more critically on their embeddedness in national welfare state arrangements in order to move forward together towards the realisation of a Social Europe.

Suggested Citation

  • Marius R. Busemeyer & Christian Kellermann & Alexander Petring & Andrej Stuchlík, 2008. "Overstretching solidarity? Trade unions' national perspectives on the European economic and social model," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 14(3), pages 435-452, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:treure:v:14:y:2008:i:3:p:435-452
    DOI: 10.1177/102425890801400307
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Esping-Andersen, Gosta, 1999. "Social Foundations of Postindustrial Economies," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198742005.
    2. Richard M. Locke & Kathleen Thelen, 1995. "Apples and Oranges Revisited: Contextualized Comparisons and the Study of Comparative Labor Politics," Politics & Society, , vol. 23(3), pages 337-367, September.
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    Cited by:

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