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When do European Works Councils become useful to employees? Lessons learned from the Alstom / Switzerland case

Author

Listed:
  • Patrick Ziltener

    (University of Zurich, Institute of Sociology, Zürich, Switzerland)

  • Heinz Gabathuler

    (University of Zurich, Institute of Sociology, Zürich, Switzerland)

Abstract

Based on four case studies, this article analyses the significance of Swiss participation in European Works Councils (EWCs) in foreign companies, coming to the conclusion that it is generally low. However, in one case, that of the French-based engineering company Alstom, two sequences of events show that, against a background of the general effectiveness of the Alstom EWC and the relative importance of its Swiss plants, Swiss employees clearly benefit from EWC participation, enjoying the same guarantees and subject to the same procedures as employees in other European countries. The perception of such benefit among employee stakeholders is however dependent on local constellations.

Suggested Citation

  • Patrick Ziltener & Heinz Gabathuler, 2016. "When do European Works Councils become useful to employees? Lessons learned from the Alstom / Switzerland case," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 22(4), pages 491-504, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:treure:v:22:y:2016:i:4:p:491-504
    DOI: 10.1177/1024258916667016
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Paul Marginson & Mark Hall & Aline Hoffmann & Torsten Müller, 2004. "The Impact of European Works Councils on Management Decision‐Making in UK and US‐based Multinationals: A Case Study Comparison," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 42(2), pages 209-233, June.
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