HRM and Europeanisation

The context and consequently the nature of industrial relations in Europe have undergone major changes in the past decade. Although not simultaneously, all countries have found it necessary to overcome recession while at the same time maintain or improve the efficiency of their economies. Macroeconomic forces, changing financial market structures and technological advances are just some of the forces that have exerted pressure on industrial relations. The impact of these changes has been felt internationally and, particularly in Europe, raising the issue of convergence. The convergence debate argues that the effects of internationalisation in general and the role of the European Union will give rise to an increasingly similar system of industrial relations within Europe.

In order to critically assess the likelihood of the development of a distinctive European system of industrial relations I will adopt a comparative approach, examining the existing industrial relations system within...