Non-electoral representation: trade-unions and business associations - crash course on labor relations

10 important questions on Non-electoral representation: trade-unions and business associations - crash course on labor relations

Why do we talk about political processes when we are discussing labor relations?

Labor markets are economic markets, but they are heavily influenced by labor relations which are shaped by a fundamental conflict of interest and which need to find some sort of balance

Who are the main actors in labor relations?

- workers and employers
- works council
- trade unions and employer organizations
- trade union federation and employer organization federation

What does a works council do?

It represents the interests of workers at the company level. It takes care of decisions of the board. The relationship with the employers is quite harmonious
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What do trade unions do?

Taking care of the collective interest of the employees. Usually at the sectoral level. Can lobby in the government and organize strikes

What do trade union federations do?

The different sectoral trade unions are united in the federation. The federation is present at the national level and works with the government for policy-making

What do employer organizations do?

They are like the trade unions, but then for the employers. They deal with the labor market conditions for the employers. To counter the trade unions

What is an employers' federation?

Federations of employer organizations. Takes care of specific issues that transcends the sectoral level. The first point of confrontation for the government

What is Neo-corporatism/tripartism/social partnership?

Government, trade-unions and employer organizations have to come together to look for consensus on issues like working conditions. It happens at the national level

What is collective bargaining, that leads to collective agreements?

It happens at the sectoral level. Trade-unions negotiate for all the employees collectively.

Why might employers not like collective bargaining and collective agreements?

- it is not rational
- they cannot just walk out
- it costs a lot of time

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