Workplace social dialogue in Europe: An analysis of the European Company Survey 2009

Around one third (34%) of workplaces with 10 or more employees have a trade union or works council body in place. Considerable variation exists between countries: the rate is above 55% in Denmark, Sweden and Finland but below 20% in countries such as Turkey, Greece and Portugal. Substantial variations also exist depending on industry sector and workplace size. Many of these characteristics are related to the presence or absence of a trade union or works council. Workplace representation is more prevalent in countries where national or sectoral bargaining dominates. It is also higher in countries with more extensive levels of legislative support for workplace representation.