Labor Quiescence Continued? Recent Strike Activity in Western Europe

Abstract

This paper begins by examining whether the downward trajectory in strike activity in seven of the main economies of western Europe has continued over the most recent period. It then moves on to consider the nature of the dominant forms of strike activity and how these relate to systems of bargaining and social pacts. The main finding of the paper is that while there has been a general decline in aggregate strike activity across the seven economies, the dominant nature of the strike activity has become increasingly concerned with mounting demonstrative collective mobilizations in the political, rather than industrial, arena. Consequently, much strike activity is increasingly being deployed as a tool of political leverage with governments rather than as a tool of industrial leverage with (private sector) employers.