Comparing German and Danish Employee Representatives on European Works Councils: Do Differences in National Background Matter?

Abstract

This article aims to analyse the links and possible‘fit’ between German and Danish representation structures and trade union policies on the one hand, and the views and activities of European Works Council (EWC) representatives from the two countries on the other. Which similarities or differences can be observed in the way German and Danish EWC representatives act on and view EWCs? Can differences be explained by cross-national variations in representation structures and associated trade union policies? The article describes the national representation structures in the two countries, their linkage to EWCs and trade unions, and identifies the typical profile of German and Danish EWC representatives respectively. Data on how the representatives view the EWC and its activities and the extent to which they have been involved in negotiations with management are presented and analysed. It is concluded that the views and practices of German and Danish EWC representatives largely converge. Those divergent views that are found are explained by differences in national representation structures, union policies and labour market situation.