Industrial Relations in Europe: The Imperatives of Change

Industrial Relations in Europe explores the development of trade unions and their relations with employers and employers organizations in Western European countries in the 1980s. It highlights the common characteristics of these systems, including political democracy, market economies, and the right of employers to manage the business. The book showcases the major structural changes brought about by technological, economic, and social factors, leading to the erosion of centralized processes and a return to individual, local initiative and entrepreneurship.

Format: Hardback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Industrial Relations in Europe, first published in 1985, delves into the evolution of trade unions and their interactions with employers and employers organizations across several Western European countries during the 1980s. These systems share common features rooted in political democracy, market economies, the right of employers to manage their businesses, and the right of employees to join unions that can negotiate and pursue political goals to advance their members' interests. Through comprehensive case studies from Denmark, Germany, France, Great Britain, and Norway, the volume showcases the significant structural changes brought about by technological, economic, and social factors, which had profound implications for trade unions and traditional patterns of industrial relations. A notable response to these developments was the erosion of centralized decision-making processes and a shift towards individual, local initiatives, as well as an increased interest in entrepreneurship. This book is an essential read for scholars of political economy, industrial economy, and economics in general, offering valuable insights into the complex dynamics of industrial relations in Europe during the 1980s.

Weight: 700g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032370934