EN
The article discusses the relationship between trade unions and other forms of employee representation, analyzed in European dimension. Authors state that despite the general decline of trade union power in the developed countries, the principles of the European social model provide the trade unions in the Euro pean Union with the possibility to shape industrial relations at the national level. The main challenge, however, is the ability of trade unions to increase their impact on the European level, as the economic integration progresses. Authors point out that the EU legislator consistently shows preferential attitude towards development of participatory (non-union) forms of employee representation. This attitude can be perceived both in primary and secondary EU law. Development of such bodies as European Works Councils allows i.a. to mitigate effects of constant restructuring. However, EU institutions have clearly distanced approach to the legislative support of cross-border cooperation of trade unions. The latter, focused on the national objectives and devoid of EU instruments of effective fight for the rights of employees are not able to perform their functions at the European level. With the progressing macroeconomic integration this situation may undermine their ability to influence and shape the working conditions. According to authors, development of participation at the European level, without an adequate progress of trade unions cooperation, will not stop the threat to the social cohesion of the EU, which they consider to be progressive stratification of income.