The Yugoslav Experience with Workers ’ Councils

Workers ’ participation in the management of their work lives is widely regarded as vital to the success of contemporary organizations. One form of nonunion employee repre-sentation, widely acclaimed in Europe and rare but receiving increasing attention in North America, is the workers ’ council. The authors provide a review of the experience, role, structure, and functions of workers ’ councils in the Former Republic of Yugoslavia, a country that undertook one of the most comprehensive programs of worker self-management, including the widespread and legally mandated use of workers ’ councils. The authors then discuss key issues and concerns about workers ’ councils