Dynamics of the European sectoral social dialogue

Abstract

The paper used in this book is chlorine-free and comes from managed forests in northern Europe.For every tree felled, at least one new tree is planted.v Foreword European sectoral social dialogue is rooted in the creation of the European Union.Over the last decade, there have been many changes to its institutional foundations, structures and scope.Given the continually evolving and diverse nature of the dialogue, the need for a closer examination of the dynamics at play in this area was identified in previous research on European industrial relations.This report seeks to enrich and provide new insights into the analysis.The dynamics at play differ from the traditional sectoral-level collective bargaining in operation within the Member States and are of a different nature: that is, multi-level, with close cooperation with the European authorities, numerous coordination processes, and subtle forms of mutual learning and dissemination of ideas.A significant outcome of the sectoral social dialogue committees, established in 1998, is the increasing production and adoption of joint texts.It is clear that there is more to European sectoral social dialogue than what the institutional setting and formal texts show.The dynamics at play are complex, multiple and difficult, since they involve multiple players from different institutional 'worlds'.However, the analysis shows that a multiplicity of activities are being carried out and a high degree of vitality exists.In terms of the relationships among the different sectoral committees, one noteworthy aspect is the growing interaction both between the cross-industry and sectoral level, and among the sectors of the economy themselves.Telework was the first example of such a crossover.It is clear that there is more to European sectoral social dialogue than what the institutional setting and formal texts show.The coordination of the various actors involved can be challenging as the European sectoral social partners have to represent national member organisations that operate in different countries and use different languages.Moreover, the national parties are subject to different socioeconomic realities, objectives, type of structures and roles in their domestic system of industrial relations.Implementation of the texts can also be uneven.Nevertheless, the joint texts and the presentation of good practices offer opportunities to learn from one another, raise awareness and foster cooperation as well as informal contacts among the different actors with respect to common initiatives.We trust that this report will shed light on the vibrant and important role of European sectoral social dialogue and the work of the growing number of sectoral social dialogue committees.

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