Short circuits in multinational companies: the extension of European Works Councils to Poland

Article abstract:

The extension of European Works Councils to Central and Eastern Europe is a rare attempt to create transnational employee representation covering both low- and high-wage areas. Research carried out in Poland in 2001 provides a quantitative estimate of such enlargement and a qualitative assessment of its effects. The evidence undermines fears of 'social dumping' and reveals indirect effects definable as 'short circuits'.