Introduction

First published in 1999, this volume examines how the challenge of defining and developing an effective structure of fundamental social rights for workers has long been a focus for debate at European level. Even before the emergence of the 1989 Charter of Fundamental Social Rights of Workers, proposals were being made to incorporate ''fundamental rights'' provisions into the Treaties establishing the European Communities. Consequently, when a distinguished Comité des Sages produced its 1996 report For a Europe of Civic and Social Rights, the stage was set for intensive debate as to the way forward.