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Understanding the European Works Council deficit in German multinationals

Author

Listed:
  • Michael Whittall

    (Technische Universität München - Lehrstuhl für Soziologie - Lothstr. 17 - 80992 Munich - Germany)

  • Stefan Lücking

    (Technische Universität München - Lehrstuhl für Soziologie - Lothstr. 17 - 80992 Munich - Germany)

  • Rainer Trinczek

    (Technische Universität München - Lehrstuhl für Soziologie - Lothstr. 17 - 80992 Munich - Germany)

Abstract

This article examines the problem of setting up European Works Councils in German multinationals. Based on the findings of a Hans-Böckler-Stiftung funded project, the article argues that a key problem is the legal status of many German companies covered by the European Works Councils Directive: specifically, that companies in private hands are not legally required to reveal the number of their employees and their company structure. This lack of transparency makes it very difficult for employee representatives to determine whether their undertaking is covered by the Directive. The article also considers some issues brought to light by a German EWC database recently compiled at the Technische Universität München to support the university's research into the non-compliance with the European Works Council Directive by German multinationals.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Whittall & Stefan Lücking & Rainer Trinczek, 2008. "Understanding the European Works Council deficit in German multinationals," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 14(3), pages 453-467, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:treure:v:14:y:2008:i:3:p:453-467
    DOI: 10.1177/102425890801400308
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Streeck, Wolfgang, 1995. "German capitalism: Does it exist? Can it survive?," MPIfG Discussion Paper 95/5, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies.
    2. Wallau, Frank & Haunschild, Ljuba & Hauser, Hans-Eduard & Wolter, Hans-Jürgen, 2007. "Die volkswirtschaftliche Bedeutung der Familienunternehmen," IfM-Materialien 172, Institut für Mittelstandsforschung (IfM) Bonn.
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