Managers, BusinessEurope and the development of European Works Councils

This working paper looks at the views of managers responsible for European Works Councils (EWCs) within multinational companies on the operation of the institution. It also examines the policies of Business Europe on EWCs vis-à-vis the views of these managers.

The findings of structured interviews with fifty-six EWC managers focus on management; corporate restructuring; the question whether EWCs offer value for money; operational concerns; the impact of the 2009 Recast directive; and the question where do we go from here.

Finally the researchers draw the conclusions and recommendations for future European policies on European Works Councils.