The Eurocompany and Euro Industrial Relations

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Abstract
What is the role of multinational companies in the internationalization of markets and production? Debate has polarized around contrasting `global' and `national business system' perspectives. The article moves beyond this dichotomy, conceptualizing the international company as a distinctive form of organization on a sub-global basis. Focusing on Europe, it explores the relevance of the idea of a `Eurocompany' for industrial relations analysis by examining the case of European Works Councils. These represent a specifically European development, deriving from regulatory initiative by the EU, but also from developments within MNCs themselves. Drawing on evidence from a study of the provisions of 386 voluntary agreements establishing EWCs, the article questions the argument that these `European' structures are essentially extensions of national systems of workplace representation. It shows the additional influence on the structure and functioning of EWCs of factors, such as sector, which transcend national borders.