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European Works Councils and Corporate Social Responsibility in the European Energy Sector

European Works Councils and Corporate Social Responsibility in the European Energy Sector

The (potential) role of the EWC in developing and implementing CSR is central to this study.

Publication

T. Kerckhoffs

1 June 2010

Over the past decade, transnational corporations (TNCs) operating in the energy sector have become increasingly active across borders in multiple European countries. As a result, employee representation in European energy companies has become more multi-national, evidenced by the rising number of active European Works Councils (EWCs) in the sector. At the same time, the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been gaining ground in the European energy sector. The (potential) role of the EWC in developing and implementing CSR is central to this study. The main goal is to provide some insight into the existing role and ambition of EWCs with regard to CSR and to offer recommendations on how EWCs and trade unions can influence a company’s CSR policy and practice. Information for the study was gathered through a survey of and interviews with EWC members and other worker representatives as well as input from representatives of the management of European energy companies.