Databases
Introduction to the ETUI databases
This section comprises key ETUI databases. As well as a brief commentary about their scope and nature.
Video introduction to four key ETUI worker participation databases.
Links to each of these databases can be found in the relevant sections below.
European Works Council database
Video introduction to this database.
The ETUI European Works Council database (EWCdb) is the comprehensive database on European Works Councils and European Company (SE) Works Councils, comprising more than 4,000 documents on some 1,800 European Works Councils and European Company (SE) Works Councils. Currently, 1,340 of these bodies are active.
The database also includes data on other agreement types and European Works Council-related documents. Overall, it contains more than 8,500 document and more than 2,000 European Works Council and SE Works Council agreements (and amendments) in various language versions.
The EWCdb contains the texts of agreements that have established European Works Councils, as well as agreements negotiated by European Works Councils on specific topics. It also presents information on multinational companies that have established a European Works Council. The database has been widely used as a reference source by assorted EU and national institutions as well as research and academic centres.
European Works Council-related Jurisprudence database
This database is housed within the EWCdb (see above). It comprises court cases, judgements and other materials assembled by labour law experts at KU Leuven, Sara Huybrechts and Professor Frank Hendrickx. Currently, the database is restricted to internal access only.
European Participation Index
Video introduction to this database.
The European Participation Index (EPI) assesses the extent of worker participation in different European countries. The EPI is a composite index which summarizes both formal rights and the extent of participation on three levels: in the board, at the establishment level and through collective bargaining. More information.
Cross-border Company Mobility database
Video introduction to this database.
Since 2019 and the adoption of the Cross-Border Mobility Directive (EU) 2019/2121, corporate mobility in the form of cross-border mergers, divisions and conversions has been harmonised throughout the EU. This topic of cross-border company mobility has been on the EU legislator's agenda for several decades. However, EU integration accelerated in this area only in the last 20 years through the creation of European company law forms (Societas Europaea (SE)), the Cross-Border Mergers Directive and the case law of the European Court of Justice (CJEU).
This CbCM project is a data collection exercise concerning company mobility within the EU/EEA using these instruments: European companies (SE, SCE), cross-border mergers, cross-border seat transfers and cross-border divisions. Data are collected on these instruments for all 27 EU Member States and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and the UK. Data for the CbCM project has been ongoing since 2017, with data coverage from 2000 onwards and a total timeframe from 2000-2023 covered.
The main focus is on the impact on workers' rights, namely:
- whether the transactions lead to job losses;
- whether information and consultation procedures are respected; and
- whether employee participation (board-level employee representation (BLER)) is applicable and, if so, whether the applicable legal procedure is followed.
The project is carried out in cooperation with a research team at Erasmus University Rotterdam. There is currently only limited access to the database but inquiries for educational and scientific purposes are expressly welcomed. Further information and all project reports can be found on the project website.
European Sectoral Social Dialogue database
Video introduction to this database.
The European Sectoral Social Dialogue Database of joint social dialogue documents makes it possible to analyse the sectoral social partners’ ‘output’. It enables comparisons to be drawn between sectors, their levels of activity, the topics addressed, and even the approach to social dialogue developed by the social partners.
ETUI Expert Networks and Work Groups
- GoodCorp Network
- Monaco Network
- Transnational Trade Union Rights (TTUR) Network
- Worker Participation Europe (WPE) (formerly SEEurope)
- Scenario Facilitators Network
- SCEN4WORKgroup
- Other ETUI networks
Further information on the worker participation networks of ETUI can be found in this infographic.
ETUI Centres and Services
The European Trade Union Institute (ETUI, Brussels) was set up to conduct research and provide scientific, educational and technical support to the ETUC and its affiliates and to contribute to the development of Social Europe and social dialogue. Its centres and services include:
- European Worker Participation Competence Centre (EWPCC)
- European Works Council (EWC) Training
- Labourline (on-line catalogue of the ETUI Documentation Centre)
- WikiLabour
ETUI worker participation events
- ETUI. (2024). Trade union experiments of democracy at work in Europe: A strategic potential for union revitalisation? 5-6 March, La Fonderie, Brussels.
Publications
- Annual Benchmarking Working Europe publications
- Worker participation - general
- Trade union and collective bargaining - general
- Other - general
ETUI infographics
Other (non-ETUI) centres and services