Eurotrends

Article Abstract:

The emergence of regional trading blocs in Europe, North America and East Asia will not necessarily stifle international trade. Indeed, the formation of regional trading agreements may well accelerate the process of global economic integration. These trading blocs are expected to stimulate regional economic growth, thus increasing the demand for imports within these regions. This increased demand for imports should then lead to an increase in trade with countries outside these regional trading blocs. It is in the context of this framework of expanding global trade that the need to successfully conclude the Uruguay Round of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) should therefore be seen. After all, GATT's importance in international trade lies in the fact that it provides a regulatory mechanism that can be used to prevent the imposition of protectionist trade measures.

Economic aspects, Laws, regulations and rules, International trade, International trade regulation, International economic integration, Economic integration

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Eurotrends

Article Abstract:

The European Commission (EC) is set to issue an 'opinion' that outlines its views on minimum wage policies in member states. The draft version of the opinion proposes that each country adopt what the EC terms an 'equitable' wage policy to discourage competition based on low labor costs. The EC opinion notes that the establishment of minimum wage levels should force companies to improve efficiency and increase productivity to make up for the higher wage bill. The EC opinion is unlikely to be transformed into a directive given the resistance of several member states to EC initiatives on workers' rights. All EC member states, with the exception of the UK and Ireland, already have minimum wage laws covering all sectors.

International affairs, Economic policy, European Union. European Commission, Wages, Labor policy, Minimum wage

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Eurotrends

Article Abstract:

Trade union membership in many European countries has been steadily declining since the 1980s, according to a survey sponsored by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Only Scandinavian trade unions have managed to maintain high levels of membership. The most significant drop in membership has been noted in France, where there has been more than a 40% decrease in the number of registered members. The general decline in union membership has been attributed to high unemployment, changes within industry, government policies, and public attitudes.

Labor organizations, Membership, Surveys, Labor relations, Labor unions, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

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