Europe’s industrial relations should be based on social dialogue, workplace and industrial democracy, consultation and collective bargaining. The ETUC is calling for EU support to strengthen capacities for social dialogue at all levels. We urge the European Commission to put forward a new legal framework for workers’ involvement, setting high standards for information and consultation and offering unions real influence in corporate decision-making.

Strong liaison between different levels of workers’ representation is required. Employers and governments must fully respect and acknowledge the role of trade unions as the bodies representing European workers, together with the right to freedom of association, collective bargaining and withdrawal of labour.