Vigneau, Christophe --- "The Future of European Social Dialogue" [2011] ELECD 896; in Moreau, Marie-Ange (ed), "Before and After the Economic Crisis" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2011)

Book Title: Before and After the Economic Crisis

Editor(s): Moreau, Marie-Ange

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781849809924

Section: Chapter 17

Section Title: The Future of European Social Dialogue

Author(s): Vigneau, Christophe

Number of pages: 15

Extract:

17. The future of European social
dialogue
Christophe Vigneau

To discuss industrial relations within the EU, scholars generally use the
expression `social dialogue'. This formula covers a wide range of rules and
practices occurring at European level. Social dialogue has a long tradi-
tion in European integration and its role has been growing over the years.
At the outset, social dialogue found an institutionalized agora with the
European Economic and Social Committee. It also developed at sectoral
level in the 1960s with the establishment of joint committees. At cross
industry level, in the 1970s, the Standing Committee on Employment was
set up for the Commission, the Council and the social partners to discuss
employment. During the 1980s and under the auspices of the Commission,
the informal meetings of Val Duchesse developed. In 1986, the European
Single Act introduced a provision in the Treaty which formally obliges
the Commission to promote social dialogue. Within this new framework,
the Commission plays a decisive role, encouraging the so-called social
partners to negotiate and conclude agreements. However, in the late 1980s
and 1990s social dialogue remained relatively weak in terms of results, and
marginal in determining European social policy.
A new and fundamental impetus is given to social dialogue by the
Social Protocol attached to the Maastricht Treaty.1 From 1992 onwards,
social partners have been given a primary role in defining European
social policy making. Prior to any proposal regarding social policy, the
Commission must consult the social partners both on the ...