TABLE OF CONTENTS: 1. Introduction. – 1.1. Definition. – 1.2. Purpose. – 1.3. Historical Overview. – 1.3.1. The Structural Perspective. – 1.3.2. The Functional Perspective. – 2. The Structural Perspective. – 2.1. Sources. – 2.2. Channels and Institutions of Representation. – 2.2.1. Autonomous representative bodies and unified representative bodies. – 2.2.2. Joint Committees. – 2.2.3. Bilateral bodies. – 2.3. “Specialised” Participation (via Collective Forms): Health and Safety. – 2.4. Quality Circles and Direct Communication Techniques. – 3. The Functional Perspective. – 3.1. Collective Bargaining. – 3.2. Information and Consultation Rights. – 3.2.1. Consultation Rights in the Broad Sense. – 3.2.1.1. The ordinary and special wage guarantee funds. – 3.2.1.2. Collective redundancies and mobility schemes. – 3.2.1.3. Transfer of undertakings. – 3.2.2. Consultation Rights in the Strict Sense. – 4. Employee involvement In Transnational Corporations. – 4.1. European Works Councils. – 4.2. European Company. – 5. Self-Employment and Workers’ Participation. – 5.1. The Case of Workers’ Co-operatives. – 5.2. Past Situation and Future Perspectives. – 6. Employee financial participation. – 6.1. The Legal Framework. – 6.2. Future Developments. – References.