Cross-border collective bargaining and transnational social dialogue

This study analyses cross-border collective bargaining and transnational social dialogue across the EU and aims to survey its impact at the European level. Therefore, the study discusses the current prevailing EU legislative framework, as well as the latest developments within this area. By mapping social partnership across the EU, it is shown that industrial relations systems differ from one Member State to another, in particular between the EU-15 and the EU-12 Member States. The study also finds that, in practice, cross-border collective bargaining plays only a minor role, while transnational social dialogue, including international and European framework agreements, has been developing significantly during recent years, although no legal framework for such transnational texts exists as yet. Similarly, it is noted that European Works Councils constitute effective motors within the development process of transnational social dialogue. The study concludes with a discussion on further advancement of EU legislation and the formulation of practical policy recommendations for the European Parliament.