Policy Press

Workaway

The Human Costs of Europe’s Common Labour Market

By Jonathon W. Moses

Published

Jun 20, 2023

Page count

314 pages

ISBN

978-1529211023

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jun 7, 2021

Page count

314 pages

ISBN

978-1529211016

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jun 7, 2021

Page count

314 pages

ISBN

978-1529211047

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jun 7, 2021

Page count

314 pages

ISBN

978-1529211047

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Workaway

This agenda-setting book shows how freedom of movement has made the integration of Europe’s labour markets a contentious issue, for example in the aftermath of the eurocrisis, where workers had to make great sacrifices to enable the currency area to function.

It argues that the process of market integration in Europe has undermined the power and influence of European workers and generated significant human costs. In starting from the position of labour, this book offers an alternative approach which balances the needs of justice and efficiency.

With appeal across a wide range of readers interested in economic integration, it provides lessons for policymakers in how to integrate Europe’s member states to better protect workers and citizens.

"In his powerful new book, Jonathon Moses uses the term ‘workaway’ to capture the perilous nature of European economic migration… Not everyone will agree with this prescription, but it is a serious argument that no European can afford to ignore." Erik Jones, Survival

“This excellent book analyzes the pitfalls underlying the European labour market integration and emphasises a human-centered/ labour-driven European common labour market with the strengthening of local labour markets. A must read.” Ibrahima Amadou Dia, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

"In this rigorously researched book, Jonathon Moses reveals the real social costs of European integration, costs that are borne by real people. Strikingly original and compelling – it is a gift EU studies cannot afford to refuse." Peo Hansen, author of A Modern Migration Theory

"Workaway impressively integrates economic and political theory to argue that the liberal approach to the common European market for labour ignores the real needs of workers, weakening their collective social power." Michael Alvarez, University of Bergen

Jonathon W. Moses is Professor of Comparative Politics at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Trondheim, Norway).

I. A New Approach

1. Belaboured Europe

2. The Uniqueness of Labour

3. An Optimum Labour Area?

II. Starting Points

4. From the Beginning

5. A Multitude of Labour Markets

III. Adjustment Mechanisms

6. The Demise of Member State Policy Autonomy

7. Europe to the Rescue?

8. Money and People on the Move

IV. Results

9. The Power of Labour

10. Reducing Workaway