Sectoral networks of transnational trade union cooperation in Europe

Abstract

This network analysis of trade union cooperation in Europe uses survey data and interviews to map and analyze transnational cooperation networks in the metal, construction, transportation, and healthcare sectors. The study examines the extent to which sectoral and regional clustering tendencies exist in these networks and whether there are differences between the sectors with regard to structure, density, and central actors. The results show that networks of regular bilateral cooperation tend to stay within the sectors, and that there are tendencies toward regional clustering in all sectors. Unions in the Nordic and southern regions of Europe have a strong intraregional focus in bilateral cooperation, whereas unions in CEE and CWE countries have a greater share of interregional partners. Unions in the CWE region cluster at the core of all the networks, and German unions are the main brokers between other regions, which tend to cluster in more peripheral offshoots.