Hans-Jürgen Urban

For some time now, trade unions in the societies of developed capitalism have been on the defensive. This applies to the United States as well as to the member states of the European Union, and thus also to reunified Germany. Although the causes, extent, and chances of overcoming this defensive position are assessed differently, a consensus has emerged in political and academic discussions that trade unions have experienced a substantial loss of significance and influence in the transition from nationally organized welfare state capitalism to transnational financial market capitalism. This assessment can rely on scientifically well-documented and politically intensely debated indicators. The erosion of trade union presence in companies.