III. THE AMERICAN RESPONSE
American businesses opposed adoption of a policy on worker participation in the EU. A number of MNCs, under the leadership of Ford, formed a group in the early 1980s to oppose the famous Vredeling proposal for information and consultation of employees in MNCs. Some American consultants conducted scare campaigns against proposals in the European Community on employee rights. The hostility against EU social proposals became almost palpable in meetings of HRM managers. The proposals were considered to be a threat to traditional managerial prerogatives. Managers also argued that the proposal would increase both the cost and the complexity of doing business in Europe. Some leaders warned that American firms would disinvest in Europe if new social proposals were adopted. The strident tone created a backlash against American tactics among some Europeans in Brussels.