European Works Councils in the Nordic Countries: An Opportunity and a Challenge for Trade Unionism

Abstract

The Nordic countries have a long tradition of joint consultation and cooperation at workplace and company level. This article presents and compares the findings of studies in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden on the implementation of the EU Directive on European Works Councils. It attempts to explain why in particular a great number of Norwegian and Finnish multinationals have concluded so-called Article 13 agreements. A central focus is on the relations between European Works Councils and trade unions.