New Labour Laws in Old Member States: Trade Union Responses to European Enlargement

Description

The enlargement of the EU in 2004 and 2007 has led to greatly increased free movement of workers from 'new' to 'old' member states. The unprecedented scale of this migration has had a profound impact on the regulation of labour law in Europe. This book compares the ways trade unions have responded to the effects of the enlargements, and in particular to the increased migration of workers across borders. It undertakes a contextualised comparison of trade union responses in Austria, Germany, Ireland, Sweden and the UK, and examines the relationship between trade unions and labour law at a national and European level. This analysis illustrates how trade unions can use law to better respond to changing regulatory and opportunity structures, and indicates the kinds of laws that would benefit trade unions at a national and European level.

Rebecca Zahn is Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Strathclyde. From 2010 to 2011 she held a Max Weber Fellowship at the European University Institute, Florence. She serves as the Labour Law Section Convenor for the Society of Legal Scholars and is the elected Secretary of the University Association for Contemporary European Studies.

'This is an excellent, well-written book which rewards a close reading. In particular, its originality in bringing research on traditional trade union responses to labour migration together with the debate on Europeanisation and labour law is to be commended.' Cliodhna Murphy, Industrial Law Journal '... this book is an important contribution to labour law literature that is highly thought-provoking and an essential acquisition for labour lawyers and policy-makers operating in the area of labour market regulation.' David Cabrelli, Edinburgh Law Review