European works councils between formal requirements and good practices: the potential for further development based on evidence from Portugal1

Abstract

The formal texts of agreements establishing European works councils (EWCs) set out the ‘starting conditions’ that regulate the activity of these transnational institutions. This article complements an analysis of the formal texts of agreements in 111 EWCs in the metallurgical, chemical and financial sectors with an assessment of the experience of Portuguese members of these EWCs. An analysis of topics in the 111 EWC agreements reveals several difficulties with the functioning of EWCs. Beyond the texts of EWC agreements, the diversity of workers’ representatives’ experiences is crucial to a better understanding of how EWCs function. The final section of the article highlights several good practices experienced by (Portuguese) workers’ representatives belonging to three EWC select committees in three multinationals: VW Group (metallurgical sector), Air Liquide Group (chemical sector) and Banco Espírito Santo Group (financial sector).