Dispute Prevention and Resolution in the Face of Twin Transition: the role of workers’ participation in the metal sector

Candeias, Marta and Boavida, Nuno and Moniz, António (2026): Dispute Prevention and Resolution in the Face of Twin Transition: the role of workers’ participation in the metal sector.

Abstract

This publication was developed as a result of national case studies and independent desk research within the European project Metallica and serves as a comprehensive guide and analysis for stakeholders in the metal sector. This document aims to outline challenges posed by the twin transition – the digitalization process of work and sustainability of production process - while emphasizing the role of workers' participation in preventing and resolving disputes. A conclusion may be considered as the need for clear national strategies to guide the transformation of the metal sector. There is strong agreement that employer strategies must prioritize employee inclusion, with structured opportunities for participation in planning and implementation. The role of trade unions is evolving. Unions are seen not only as defenders of workers' rights but increasingly as strategic actors in shaping the transition. All countries identify skill development — both technical and soft — as foundational for a just transition. Finally, all cases acknowledged the inevitability of workplace reorganization and call for pre-emptive and structured consultation mechanisms, especially regarding AI, data governance, and occupational safety.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Twin Transition, Metal Sector; Workers’ Participation; Conflict Prevention; Social Dialogue
• Subjects: J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J5 - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining > J52 - Dispute Resolution: Strikes, Arbitration, and Mediation ; Collective Bargaining; J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J5 - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining > J53 - Labor-Management Relations ; Industrial Jurisprudence; M - Business Administration and Business Economics ; Marketing ; Accounting ; Personnel Economics > M1 - Business Administration > M12 - Personnel Management ; Executives; Executive Compensation; M - Business Administration and Business Economics ; Marketing ; Accounting ; Personnel Economics > M1 - Business Administration > M14 - Corporate Culture ; Diversity ; Social Responsibility; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O1 - Economic Development > O14 - Industrialization ; Manufacturing and Service Industries ; Choice of Technology

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