Industrial relations in the public utilities
June 2005 
Comparative study
Public utilities in Europe have undergone major changes in recent years,
involving processes such as liberalisation, privatisation and a growing presence
of multinational companies. Focusing on the electricity and fixed-network
telephony sectors, this comparative study examines the effects of these changes
on industrial relations. Covering 19 EU Member States plus Norway, it looks at
developments in the status of employees, the representation of workers and
employers, the structure of collective bargaining, and negotiations and
conflicts over issues such as restructuring, outsourcing and worker
participation.
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.