Rady pracownicze w krajach Europy Zachodniej

Abstract

The period after tho Second World War is characterized with a growing participation ol workers in tho decision-making process in Western enterprises. The most common form of this participation is the works' council. It differs in particular countries with regard to number of its members, election procedure and position held within an enterprise. The most significant differences cun be noted, however, in tho range of competences possessed by works' councils. Tho widest range of such competences is possessed by councils in the FRG and Holland and it is relatively narrow in Scandinavian countries. A prevailing majority of councils focus their attention on socio-welfare problems (often time these are the only problems councils deal with) and personnel affairs. Their participation in economic decisions is very limited. A« a result, works' councils (on which also employers are represented) should be treated as a typically advisory organ.