The Evolving Concept of European Labor Relations Legislation

The subject of worker participation in the decision-making process has become one of the major topics in the developing area of EEC labor law. The EEC Treaty, however, does not provide the direct legal basis for the introduction of worker participation legislation by the Community. The Commission, therefore, has concentrated on harmonizing the company legislation of the Member States in its drive to develop a European labor legislation. In this article, Dr. Kolvenbach surveys the existing company legislation in the Member States dealing with worker participation and discusses the recent harmonization proposals of the Commission.

He then concludes by supporting the harmonization efforts as the most practical means of achieving the goal of a European labor law.