Work-related stress and industrial relations
November 2001 
Comparative study
Stress is one of the most common work-related health problems in Europe. This comparative study examines work-related stress as an issue in industrial relations in the EU Member States and Norway. It outlines the regulatory framework, the extent to which stress is an issue in collective bargaining, and the views and actions of the social partners and public authorities. The study finds that stress is rarely dealt with specifically in health and safety legislation and is an issue in collective bargaining in only a few countries. Stress is a matter of increasing importance for trade unions and for some employers' organisations, but overall it is still an `invisible´ issue in industrial relations, at least with regard to effective preventive action. There are, however, signs that this may change in future.
The comparative study was compiled on the basis of individual national reports submitted by EIRO's national centres. The text of each of these national reports is available below in Word format. The reports have not been edited or approved by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions. The national reports were drawn up in response to a questionnaire and should be read in conjunction with it.