Strikes in Europe : Still a Decade of Decline or the Eve of a New Upsurge ?

The article analyses strike trends since World War II through 2008 in seven European countries and in the United States, with particular reference to the first decade of the 2000s. It discusses whether a further period of decline is to be expected or whether, in the light of various forms of industrial unrest (boss kidnapping, episodes of violence and street riots, suicides) strike activity in Europe is on the eve of a new upsurge. Reasons for one or the opposite scenario are analysed and contrasted.