Hungarian Unions: How Representative? How Effective?

Abstract

This paper describes the situation of trade unions and collective bargaining in Hungary in order to answer the question of whether trade unions are able to fulfill their traditional function in supporting and protecting workers. The essay describes the legal and factual situation of Hungarian industrial relations. The author highlights the major structural shortcomings of the regulation and the symptoms of the weaknesses of trade unions. Finally, the study discusses some possible instruments for supporting collective bargaining.