Transnational Framework Agreements are a new industrial relations instrument that encourages the recognition of social partnership across national borders and could lead to new forms of social regulation at global level. The rationale for taking the initiative to negotiate such agreements can be...

Rapid progress in new technologies, increased competition resulting from globalisation, changing consumer demand and growth in the service sector have all fuelled the need for flexibility in employment contracts and working time. In recent years, the issue of flexicurity - how to maintain a...

The issue of Europe's ageing population is a central priority for policymakers in the EU, both in terms of the sustainability of pension systems and the future of Europe's labour supply, which impact in turn on economic growth. The report looks at ways in which the quality of work and employment...

Globalisation is having a profound impact on economies and industrial relations systems all around the world. In the context of global competition, it is increasingly relevant to look at Europe's economic development in a wider perspective. This report explores the main industrial relations...

In the current EU debate on labour market and employment policies, the concept of 'flexicurity' - the balance between the flexibility and security needs of employers and employees - has emerged as a central issue. This report puts forward four key indicators to be taken into account in the...

In the context of global competition, it is increasingly relevant to look at Europe's economic development in a wider perspective. This report gives an overview of the main industrial relations developments in the European Union, Japan and the US in 2005 and 2006. It charts the similarities and...

Work occupies a central position in the day-to-day lives of most Europeans. Working conditions such as working time, job content, pace of work, pay levels and health and safety have a huge influence on individual well-being and satisfaction. EU policymakers recognise that improving working...

This report analyses the usage of part-time work in companies across the European Union and documents the extent to which it is practised. Based on a large-scale, representative survey carried out in establishments with 10 or more employees in 21 European countries, the report looks at different...

As the number of women participating in the labour market across Europe has grown in recent years, attention has increasingly focused on differences between men's and women's experience of work. This report examines the extent of occupational segregation by gender and how it impacts on the...

Croatia's application for EU membership and its unique historical past - in particular the upheavals experienced over the past two decades - make it an interesting subject for the study of quality of life. This timely report sheds valuable insight into the social and economic conditions in...