The main role of the ETUI-REHS Research department is to conduct intellectually independent research on issues that are of strategic importance for the labour movement across Europe.

By carrying out this role ETUI-REHS ensures that:

• major developments that influence European workers and their rights are thoroughly analysed, discussed and monitored;

• bridges are built between academia and the trade union movement;

• European level policies are monitored and assessed.

To conduct research, ETUI-REHS brings together networks of European researchers from across the European union.

Research areas cover labour law, worker representation, collective bargaining, industrial restructuring, relocation, social and wage dumping, the application of European Union directives (such as the European Works Council Directive), social dialogue, the drive for quality employment, the growing financialisation of the economy and its implications for employment, the issue of flexicurity (reconciling flexibility with security) and the social and economic impact of the privatisation and marketisation of service sector employment.

It also analyses how European trade unions recruit their members and what strategies they have to attract young people, migrant workers and women.