Workaway: The Human Costs of Europe’s Common Labour Market

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.

Table of Contents:
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

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

Review :
"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) "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 "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