Michael Whittall

European Works Councils: Identity and the Role of Information and Communication Technology

This article discusses the conditions for the development of a common identity among employee representatives within European Works Councils and addresses the importance of information and communication technology in this respect. Drawing on case studies conducted at General Motors and Deutsche Post, it is concluded that systematic use of such technology is a necessary condition if employee representatives are to be able to act jointly and in a timely manner across borders when challenged by management.

The BMW European Works Council: A Cause for European Industrial Relations Optimism?

This article evaluates the role performed by BMWs European Works Council (EWC) in the recent Rover crisis. During this period of great uncertainty a picture emerges whereby contacts achieved through the EWC came to play a central role in discussions and negotiations with BMW and Rover management. Of particular interest are the issues of trust relations between British and German EWC members and the changing attitudes towards each other. Here, the diverse points of reference resulting from contrasting industrial relations settings are discussed at some length. It is concluded that a new industrial relations platform now exists that could allow European trade unionists the chance to develop better cross-border relations as well as mutually supportive positions.

Towards a European Labour Identity: The Case of the European Works Council.

Introduction: process and structure of the book 1 European Works Councils and the problem of identity HERMAN KNUDSEN, MICHAELWHITTALL AND FRED HUIJGEN 2 The European Works Councils Directive: changing rationales for EU regulation of employee participation MICHAEL GOLD 3 Living apart together? A Chorus of multiple identities ANDREW R. TIMMING AND ULKE VEERSMA 4 Beyond European Works Council networks: the break-up of the Rover group MICHAELWHITTALL 5 Co-ordinating across borders: the role of European industry federations within European Works Councils VALERIA PULIGNANO 6 Regional clusters of communication: between national and European identities MONICA ANDERSSON AND CHRISTER THORNQVIST 7 Ethno-, poly- and Eurocentric European Works Councils: how does German involvement influence their identity? HELEN BICKNELL 8 Still learning from Europe: Spanish participation in European Works Councils HOLM-DETLEV KOHLER AND SERGIO GONZALEZ BEGEGA 9 Interest representation and European identity: a twofold challenge for European Works Councils VOLKER TELLJOHANN 10 The European Works Council and the feeling of interdependence HERMANN KOTTHOFF 11 Preparing the ground for a social Europe? European Works Councils and European regulatory identity MIGUEL MARTINEZ LUCIO AND SYD WESTON 12 Coming of age: the development of a collective identity in European Works Councils TORSTEN MULLER AND STEFAN RUB 13 Tackling the identity dilemma FRED HUIJGEN, MICHAEL WHITTALL AND HERMAN KNUDSEN

Modell Deutschland under Pressure: The Growing Tensions between Works Councils and Trade Unions

This article studies the current malaise of German industrial relations in the face of increased international competition, regional economic integration, the cost of unification and high unemployment. This article contends that the difficulties faced by Modell Deutschland are reflected in a growing tension between works councils and trade union interests. The argument is based on a longitudinal study of changes in working time patterns at the very successful German automobile producer, BMW, as well as a discussion of ‘open clauses’ and plant-level deviations from collective agreements, mainly in the metalworking sector but not exclusively.

Affirmation, Games, and Insecurity: Cultivating Consent within a New Workplace Regime

Drawing on theoretical insights from work by Michael Burawoy on the ‘politics of production’ and ‘the game of “making out”’ this article explores ‘manufacturing consent’ within increased insecurity at sites of a global chemical company. It explores the role of the European Works Council and kaizen as ‘rituals of affirmation’ to corporate control within this ‘hegemonic despotic’ regime securing consent through the precariousness of local site employment.

The Frontiers within: Why Employee Representatives Fail to Set Up European Works Councils

This article reviews results of a study conducted by the Technische Universitat Munchen into why the majority of German multinationals covered by the European Works Council (EWC) Directive (1994) continue not to take advantage of this legal provision. After providing a brief outline of the projects research design, the main part of the article considers reasons why employee representatives fail to set up an EWC. As will be shown, these reasons mainly concern (i) a knowledge deficit about the EWC Directive; (ii) a lack of transparency regarding company structure; and (iii) the perceived limited value of an EWC on the part of German works councillors.

The problem of national industrial relations traditions in European works councils: The example of BMW

In recent years IR scholars have attempted to understand how European works councils (EWCs) function. There exists a common consensus that there is much room for improvement. One key problem, maybe even the main problem, concerns the hold that national industrial relations practices continue to have over EWC delegates. This article argues that even though a high degree of suspicion existed among BMW and Rover delegates in the first exchanges following the foundation of the BMW EWC, a sense of empathy and respect for each other’s respective ways of doing business eventually prevailed. Undoubtedly, this was more noticeable among British trade unionists.

Workplace Trade Union Engagement with European Works Councils and Transnational Agreements: The case of Volkswagen Europe

This article examines two transnational agreements signed by the Volkswagen European and Global Works Councils, considering their interlinked implementation within subsidiaries in Britain, Italy, Spain and Germany. We demonstrate differing stances and some uncertainty towards principles of co-management, social dialogue and codetermination. These agreements have improved local industrial relations and strengthened cross-national interaction between employee representatives, despite significant differences in orientation regarding how unions should engage with management. However, the emerging international framework has not led to a clear politics of incorporation, with local trade unions being well aware of the risks of co-management and a more business-oriented relationship.

From 'the best kept company secret' to a more proficient structure of employee representation: the role of EWC delegates with a managerial background

This article is a longitudinal case study that demonstrates how company middle managers acting as European works council (EWC) delegates are well placed to represent the interests of the wider workforce. Contrary to widely held assumptions about the role of management on EWCs, namely that such delegates represent nothing more than the ‘managerial capture’ of this European institution, the article exemplifies such delegates as possessing skills sets which incorporate communication, organization, strategy, assertiveness, tact and diplomacy that can benefit the EWC. The delegates in this study developed both solidarity and a shared sense of identity among employees that spanned national borders; delegates also influenced both company policy and strategy. Ultimately these delegates operating in a strictly non-unionized IT company helped transform the company EWC from its initial description as ‘the best kept company secret’ into a more purposeful structure of employee representation.

Management’s Perceptions of Social Dialogue at the Company Level in Germany

This chapter analyses German management’s perception of industrial relations in Germany, in particular their working relationship with works councils. Generally, we demonstrate how management welcomes works councils’ positive contribution in shaping employment policies. A picture is presented, to which German industrial relations—known widely as ‘Modell Deutschland’—are seen as the quintessence of a social partnership approach to employment relations. Underpinning such a system is an acknowledgment on the part of management that such a relationship is ultimately one of conflict and cooperation. Hence, the task facing management and works councils involves jointly managing divergent interests so to ensure the sustainability of social partnership in Germany.