Abstract (eng)
The diploma thesis deals with the preconditions and barriers of collective action of workers. In times of individualization, labor-market flexibility and growing precarity and insecurity among workers, in scientific research and public debates there’s no more belief in the power of workers to organize themselves. The aim of this thesis is to look closely on the postulated preconditions and barriers of collective action of workers in Austria in times of financial crisis. To test the power of the postulated barriers I did a quantitative survey with workers’ councils. Contrary to the assumptions, the study shows that Austrian workers’ councils are extremely prepared to participate in collective action. Their preparedness to act is so high, that most postulated barriers don’t have a negative influence. When following the results of this study, the postulated “decline of the collective action of workers” cannot be expected (anymore).