The essay examines the multiple functions of Ewc in the frame of reference of European legislation about collective bargaining. The experience shows that the bargaining activity concerns two main issues: the structure of workers' representation, in order to adapt it to changes in the structure of the enterprise; and the adoption of "charters", "cods of practice" etc, aimed at enforcing the accomplishment of international legal rules and standards of workers' protection, by the different branches of the enterprise, by the suppliers and the subcontractors.