Cross-border collective bargaining networks in Europe

In recent years European trade unions have launched various initiatives for closer European coordination of collective bargaining, in order to prevent downward competition on wages and working conditions within the new macroeconomic framework of European Monetary Union (EMU). This article gives an overview of strategies and experiences to date within the European Metalworkers' Federation (EMF). The main focus of the analysis is on the attempt to establish interregional cross-border collective bargaining networks between national or regional organisations of EMF affiliates. The article concludes that this new structure has the potential to create a new institutional and political basis for a 'Europeanisation' of day-to-day collective bargaining at local level.