Western European labor unions have always been a powerful force, and their workers fare far better than US workers when it comes to benefits and wages. However, this may change as many governments plan to cut back pension and job protection programs. The reason for these reforms are unfavorable economic conditions, and an aging workforce that is putting a strain on pension funds.
See "Hard Lessons in Capitalism for Europe's Unions", Jeffrey Fleishman, Los Angeles Times, July 20, 2003