This book examines the role that employee representatives play in the restructuring of firms. Using examples of eight large automotive manufacturers like Volkswagen, GM or Toyota, the volume analyzes the internationalization strategies of the companies and the effects of European works councils.

This book examines the role that European employee representatives play in the restructuring of firms. In a globalized economy, company internationalization and transnational restructuring are of growing concern for employees and trade unions. In the European Union, the still rather new institution of European works councils provides basic rights for employees. Using examples of eight large automotive manufacturers like Volkswagen, GM or Toyota, the volume analyzes the internationalization strategies of the companies and the effects of European works councils, pointing to a high degree of variation in strategies and effectiveness of cross-border employee representation.

Autorentext

Axel Hauser-Ditz is Researcher at Ruhr-Universität Bochum. Markus Hertwig is Professor of Sociology with specialization in Work and Organizations at Technische Universität Chemnitz. Ludger Pries is Professor of Sociology/Organizations, Migration, Participation at Ruhr-Universität Bochum. Luitpold Rampeltshammer is Head of the Unit for Cooperation between Science and the Working World at Saarland University.

Inhalt

Contents: Qualitative case studies Internationalization strategies of car manufacturers Daimler Volkswagen Honda Toyota Renault PSA Peugeot Ford General Motors Effects of European works councils in cases of transnational restructuring Structural and actor-centered theoretical approaches.