This title was first published in 2002: Although the economic integration of the European Union is far-advanced, its social dimension remains under-developed. Often there is uncertainty about, and lack of information on, the economic, social and legal situation of employees in the other EU countries. This study investigates this situation. It acknowledges the term "e;Europeanization"e; as being in no way clearly defined, but offers an interpretation of the Europeanization of industrial relations as a socio-political process, with the main focus the change within the plant and organization. Industrial relations in Germany are used as a point of reference against which selected aspects of industrial relations in France, the UK, and Italy are compared and contrasted. Specific areas of study include: workplace and company organization; collective bargaining; trade unions and employers' associations; and government regulations and legislative standardization.

Introduction - a comparative study of the development of industrial relations in Germany, France, Great Britain and Italy; The process of Europeanization and the development of industrial relations - theories; Selected empirical findings on the development of industrial relations in Europe - current research; Views from trade unions and employers' associations experts - national and European experiences; Relations between national and European levels of industrial relations - five case studies; Future prospects - developing industrial relations in Europe as a contradictory process between national and European regulation.