Overview of common issues and evolution of EU collective labour law

ENThis chapter provides a summary analysis of the concept of European Union (EU) Collective Labour Law, inter alia, the most important historical and political stages in the development, the essential elements of the content and the main forms of Collective Labour Law. This chapter does not seek to provide an in-depth analysis of the legal concept of EU Collective Labour Law. Rather, it looks into, in particular, the theoretical context of Collective Labour Law; secondly, it reveals essential features and principles of EU Collective Labour Law. Finally, the main differences between Collective Labour Law at national and EU level are highlighted, and a comparative analysis of the dimensions of national and EU Collective Labour Law is provided. The chapter presents an account of the general idea of EU-level Collective Labour Law based on a historical legal discourse analysis as well as the social-policy developments in the EU. Furthermore, the chapter provides arguments and examples to show that despite the fact that the EU keeps acknowledging the importance of the involvement of Social Partners at EU level, a system of Collective Labour Law comparable to that found in the Member States has not been developed (yet). Lastly, it should be noted that this chapter is written in a reflective style drawing from the insights and issues discussed in the previous chapters in this book.