bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Walking on water? performance and industrial relations under Thatcher
Authors: Nolan Peter
Published: July 2007

The claim that Britain's economy has been transformed by an economic miracle in the 1980s is critically evaluated, as is the entrenched view that unions have damaged productivity and competitiveness. Reviewing the empirical evidence, this article argues that after 10 years of Conservative government supply side economic performance remains weak.
Individual employee choice between unions: some public sector evidence from Britain
Authors: Beaumont P. B. , Elliott J.
Published: July 2007

Here the authors use sample data to identify some of the major influences on why nurses choose to be a member of one union, as opposed to other unions, in the NHS
British trade unions in Ireland
Authors: Black Boyd
Published: July 2007

This article examines various influences on the organisation of British trade unions in Ireland. The constitution of the ICTU is considered in the context of the drive towards an Irish‐based and controlled trade union movement. The organisational response of British‐based unions to these nationalist pressures is assessed using union rule books and interviews with trade union officials.
Unequal jobs or unequal pay?
Authors: Horrell Sara , Rubery Jill , Burchell Brendan
Published: July 2007

This article draws on new data to consider whether women would benefit most from upgrading the skill levels of their jobs or from achieving equal pay for work of equal value. It looks in detail at skill, gender, and whether work is full‐time or part‐time, concluding that reassessment of the value of women's jobs would be of greater immediate financial benefit to women than upgrading the skill level of their jobs unless this upgrading gave them access to men's jobs at men's pay and benefit rates.
Equal opportunities: the short and long agenda
Authors: Cockburn Cynthia
Published: July 2007

Here the author considers the reasons for the current disillusionment of many concerned with ‘equal opportunities’ policies in employment and reviews the potential of an EO orientation for progressive change within organisations and draws on her current research on responses to EO, citing a company in the retail sector.
Workplace bargaining in hospitals and schools: threat or opportunity for the unions?
Authors: MP Derek Fatchett
Published: July 2007

Government policy has aimed to encourage the development of workplace bargaining in both the education and health services. This article traces those developments and looks at trade union opposition to the shift from national to workplace bargaining
The logic of ‘market‐share’ trade unionism: is membership decline inevitable?
Authors: Willman Paul
Published: July 2007

In the context of trade union membership decline since 1979 the author analyses the pressures which support competition between unions to secure larger shares of the membership in existing organised sectors rather than membership expansion in the growing private services sector
The unemployed and trade union membership
Authors: Lewis Paul
Published: July 2007

During the 1980s it has been the unions’ policy to organise and represent the unemployed. This article analyses why members have or have not retained their membership on becoming unemployed. A main finding is that unions are not perceived as catering for the unemployed. Union influence over the member's future employment may nevertheless encourage retention.
Industrial relations—essence or externals? the case of a rural area
Authors: Brough Ian
Published: July 2007

Industrial relations in rural areas has been little researched. This article reports a study of one such area in Scotland. It emphasises both the extent to which the industrial relations pattern of the area depended heavily on external agencies, and the crucial role of the State.
The new independent trade unionism in Hungary
Authors: Gill Colin
Published: July 2007

This article describes the development of political and economic reform in Hungary since 1956 and considers the recent emergence of independent trade unionism, particularly the new Democratic Union of Scientific Workers (TDDSZ). The author assesses the prospects for independent trade unionism in general as well as the reform of the official trade union movement (SZOT) in a rapidly changing political climate.
Limits to transformation: human resource management in the British context
Authors: Storey John , Sisson Keith
Published: July 2007

The extensive range of far‐reaching managerial initiatives which are constantly reported might seem to signal a transformation to a totally new order of human resource management. This article examines some entrenched structural features of the British context which can help explain the limits to this pattern of change
Still balancing the books: the NUM and the 1984–85 strike
Authors: Aston Beverly , Morris Tim , Willman Paul
Published: July 2007

In the context of the NUM's decision to seek a merger, this article examines the financial impact of the 1984–85 strike. In conducting the strike, its federal structure is shown to have provided the union leadership with flexibility. But it has limited the capacity to recover afterwards and has consequences for merger prospects with other unions.
Yugoslav ‘self‐management’ and industrial relations in transition
Authors: Warner Malcolm
Published: July 2007

This article attempts to examine the changes taking place in the Yugoslav ‘self‐management’ and industrial relations system. It looks at the emerging roles of both management and labour in the context of moves to give market factors greater prominence in the economy.
Vocational training and new production concepts in Germany: some lessons for Britain
Authors: Lane Christel
Published: July 2007

This article shows the pivotal role, played by the German system of vocational education and training, in the emergence of a new manufacturing policy. It offers a critique of recent changes in British training policy and practice and suggests further radical revisions in that area, in order to break out of the vicious circle of low training effort–low technology–low competitiveness.
European trade unions and the flexible workforce
Authors: Delsen Lei
Published: July 2007

Unions’ attitude to flexible labour contracts tend to be defensive. The author argues that these contracts are inevitable anyway and that trade unions should adopt part‐time work as an alternative to insecure forms of work and as a policy organise the new entrants in the labour market. Some policy proposals are put forward.
Union recruitment and organising attempts in Britain in the 1980s
Authors: Beaumont P. B. , Harris R. I. D.
Published: July 2007

Using information contained in the 1984 workplace industrial relations survey this article examines the extent and pattern of union organising attempts among non‐union establishments in the years 1979–84. The results suggest that such attempts have tended to follow relatively traditional lines, although there is some evidence of an increased responsiveness to changing features of the labour market.
Managing absence in an NHS hospital
Authors: Whitston Colin , Edwards P. K.
Published: July 2007

Absence studies often pay little attention to institutional settings. This study of a large hospital looks at factors affecting absence, and worker attitudes to time off. It reveals a highly committed workforce, but one with low morale, deeply distrustful of a management initiating rapid changes.
EDAP at Ford: a research note
Authors: Mortimer Ken
Published: July 2007

The Employee Development and Assistance Programme (EDAP) is a unique new initiative launched jointly by the management and unions at Ford. Here the author outlines the scheme which provides a significant ‘model’ for adult and continuing education within commercial enterprises. It is attracting widespread interest and imitators.
Passages on the path to privatisation: the experience of British Steel
Authors: Upham Martin
Published: July 2007

In 1988 public sector steelmaking in Britain was extinguished by the sale of all shares in British Steel plc. Given the politicised history of steel, the ease with which the company floated is surprising. This article suggests explanations which lie in the character of the principal industrial actors and the main political parties.
The making of women trade union leaders
Authors: Ledwith Sue , Colgan Fiona , Joyce Paul , Hayes Mike
Published: July 2007

A trade union's constitution is intended to produce its leaders in a democratic and even‐handed manner, but the reality for women is one of inequality. They remain almost invisible in senior positions in British unions. The social processes by which women do or do not progress in a union's career structure are investigated through a case study of SOGAT ‘82.
Management buy‐outs, trade unions and employee ownership
Authors: Wright Mike , Chiplin Brian , Thompson Steve , Robbie Ken
Published: July 2007

Management buy‐outs developed rapidly throughout the 1980s in the UK and continental Europe. The shift to managerial and employee ownership involved, has major implications for trade unions and industrial relations. This article examines these issues using survey and case study evidence from the UK.
Member commitment in an American union: the role of the grievance procedure
Authors: Clark Paul F. , Gallagher Daniel G. , Pavlak Thomas J.
Published: July 2007

In recent years increased attention has been focused on the factors that influence member commitment to union. However, little attention has been paid to the role grievance procedures play in this commitment. Here the authors examine the relationship between member attitudes toward the grievance procedure and commitment to an American union.
Wage trends and policies in China: dynamics and contradictions
Authors: Jackson Sukhan , Littler Craig R.
Published: July 2007

This article considers the central dilemmas of wage policies in state socialist economies. It reviews the pre‐1978 Chinese low‐wage and high employment policy and details the development of Chinese wage policies during the 1980s. The dynamics and contradictions which have resulted in inflation, declining labour productivity, falling real wages and social tensions are analysed.
The trade union campaign against water privatisation
Authors: Ogden Stuart
Published: July 2007

Here the author maintains that union campaigns against privatisation should not be judged in terms of their inability to prevent privatisation taking place. In this context, he assesses the effectiveness of the trade union campaign against water privatisation, concluding that it will make future privatisation initiatives more difficult to carry through.
Atypical workforce: raising the status of part‐time employment‐Canada
Authors: Robinson Olive
Published: July 2007

Part‐time employment is a theme of major significance in political and corporate debate in the European Community. This article extends the debate to the Canadian experience and concludes that even with government intervention there has been no significant improvement in the status of part‐time workers over the last decade.
The British defence industry in the 1990s: a labour market perspective
Authors: Lovering John
Published: July 2007

A survey of engineers and scientists in the defence industry reveals company responses to the changing arms market. The defence industry is attempting to restructure employment patterns in order to maintain its ability to recruit and retain high level manpower.
Privatisation and the management of IR in electricity distribution
Authors: Colling Trevor
Published: July 2007

Pro‐privatisation literature suggests that the transfer of ownership clarifies managerial objectives and fosters new patterns of industrial relations. However, change in the external environment will be mediated by the needs and perceptions of actors within the process and may expose managers to a range of contradictory pressures.
The effect of unions on the innovative behaviour of firms in Canada
Authors: Betcherman Gordon
Published: July 2007

Survey data on a sample of Canadian establishments are used to examine the influence of unions on technological change. The analysis indicates that unionism is not a significant determinant of the rate of technological change. However, union presence does appear to affect the way in which innovation takes place.
Prospects for industrial relations in NHS trusts
Authors: Corby Susan
Published: July 2007

This article looks at management's intended strategies in the new self‐governing trusts in the National Health Service. It finds that many managers are planning far‐reaching changes affecting union recognition and pay systems. Because of the relative weakness of the staff organisations, they are likely to meet little effective opposition.
Organisation vs. culture: Japanese automotive transplants in the US
Authors: Florida Richard , Kenney Martin
Published: July 2007

It has long been argued that the Japanese production organization is culture‐bound and therefore not transferable to other countries. This article examines seven major Japanese automobile assembly plants and over 270 Japanese automotive parts suppliers in the US. The successful transfer of Japanese work and production organization in these ‘transplants’ suggests that Japanese production practices are organizational forms which can be uncoupled from Japanese culture and transferred to other countries.
The decollectivisation of trade unions? Ballots and collective bargaining in the 1980s
Authors: Martin Roderick , Fosh Patricia , Morris Huw , Smith Paul , Undy Roger
Published: July 2007

Balloting has been held to undermine collective decision making within unions. This article, based upon analysis of the rule books of all TUC affiliated unions and case study material, outlines the law on balloting and collective bargaining, and examines the response to legislative changes. The authors argue that although legislation has led to greater formalisation and centralisation in decision‐making on collective action, decision‐making remains collective.
Competitive strategy, flexibility and selection: the case of Caledonian Paper
Authors: Beaumont P. B. , Hunter L. C.
Published: July 2007

This article is a detailed case study of the human resource management approach of a foreign‐owned, greenfield site establishment. The particular theme emphasised is the relationship between the nature of the organisation's competitive strategy and need for workforce flexibility, and the strategic use of the recruitment‐selection process to try to bring about this relationship.
Britain in a social Europe: industrial relations and 1992
Authors: Bridgford Jeff , Stirling John
Published: July 2007

This article suggests that European Community social policy is now moving into a third stage that is having an increasing impact on the UK. However, continuing differences in European labour markets, collective bargaining and trade union organisation make it impossible to identify a common European pattern of industrial relations
Trade unions and HRM
Authors: Beaumont P. B.
Published: July 2007

Here the author reviews the stated positions and responses of unions towards employer initiated human resource management developments. The information reviewed is drawn from Canada, Britain and the USA, with some differences being apparent between countries.
Do members' services packages influence trade union recruitment?
Authors: Sapper Simon
Published: July 2007

This article details a study of selected new members who joined a white collar professional trade union between 1st January and 30th September, 1988. The study examined the factors which motivated applications to join, especially with reference to a Members' Services Package.
The Single European Market and labour mobility
Authors: Thom Graham
Published: July 2007

While much has been written about the potential impacts of the European Single Market there is little survey evidence concerning the issue of labour mobility. Based on a large sample of employers in Scotland this article looks to address this subject and comment on what these findings mean for manpower planners and recruiters in the coming years.
Flexible times? recent developments in temporal flexibility
Authors: Blyton Paul
Published: July 2007

Working time arrangements represent an important source of flexibility. During the recent British engineering dispute, employers stressed the importance of offsetting the cost of reduced hours by agreements on temporal flexibility. Yet subsequent settlements failed to reflect any significant increase in time‐related flexibility. Possible reasons for this, and for the generally restricted development of temporal flexibility in Britain, are examined.
Is positive action ‘positive’? Collective bargaining and gender relations in the Irish civil service
Authors: Figart Deborah M.
Published: July 2007

Participation in the EC has given Irish unions the clout to press for equality policies. However, economic factors combined with an entrenched sex‐gender system hinder women's progress in achieving employment equity. Within the civil service, positive action policies have tended to perpetuate women's marginal status and discourage their labour force attachment.
Two speed ahead: social Europe and the UK after Maastricht
Authors: Towers Brian
Published: July 2007

Legislation and collective bargaining are a different but often complementary means of protecting employees and strengthening workers’ rights. At the EC level both means are now being followed but, at present, since Maastricht largely without the UK. Here the author considers whether in the longer term the UK's isolation from such developments can be sustained even in the light of the outcome of the April General Election.
Employee shareholders in two privatised utilities
Authors: Nichols Theo , O'Connell Davidson Julia
Published: July 2007

This article draws on a survey of over 400 employees in two privatised companies. It examines the relationship between the depth of share ownership and social class and prior political orientations, and suggests that employee attitudes are best understood as a function of these standard sociological factors.
Protection of part‐time workers in Irish law
Authors: Wilkinson Brian
Published: July 2007

In Ireland, employment protection rights have been extended to regular part‐time workers. This article traces the legislation's history, examines arguments of employers and unions and, having discussed the contents of the new legislation, raises the question whether the legislation is compatible with requirements of EC anti‐discrimination law.
Employee choice among unions: the case of nurses in the NHS
Authors: Beaumont P. B. , Elliot J.
Published: July 2007

This article examines the main factors that shape the choice made by individual nurses in the NHS concerning which union they join. The research methods include surveys, case studies, interviews and participant observation. Among the findings from the work is the relatively strong influence of an individual nurse's discipline or area of training on this particular choice or decision.
At the cutting edge of new realism: the engineers’ 35 hour week campaign
Authors: McKinlay Alan , McNulty Des
Published: July 2007

British engineering unions’ campaign for a 35 hour week in 1989–90 was a watershed dispute in terms of strike strategy and its impact on collective bargaining institutions. This article examines the dynamics of the dispute and the tensions between the national and local leaderships of the union campaign and compares it to similar ones waged by the German metalworkers’ union, IG Metall.
ACAS arbitration: a case of consumer satisfaction?
Authors: Brown Alice
Published: July 2007

Although arbitration is the least used function of ACAS, it is an important part of the work of the service. A study of the users of ACAS arbitration, conducted by the author, provides evidence to support the view that there is a substantial degree of satisfaction with the arbitration service.
A tangled web: Barber and beyond—a research report
Authors: Desmond Helen
Published: July 2007

It is now some 17 years since the United Kingdom implemented equal pay and sex discrimination legislation. This has produced a battery of case law leading to an excessively complex system. An ageing population and greater emphasis on European law has led to the development of a new area for equality, that of retiremenet age and pension benefits
Shifting sands? trade unions and productivity at Rover Cars
Authors: Rose Ed , Woolley Ted
Published: July 2007

This article examines the impact of trade unions on productivity at Rover Cars. Intra‐organisational variables which influence productivity levels at Rover are also considered. It concludes that the positive approach by both management and unions to collective bargaining in the late 1980s yielded significant gains in performance. This endorses the view of the Harvard School of economists who argue that unionism can be a force for greater economic efficiency.
The use of cycles? explaining employee involvement in the 1990s
Authors: Ackers Peter , Marchington Mick , Wilkinson Adrian , Goodman John
Published: July 2007

Drawing on evidence from twenty‐five case studies from different sectors and parts of the country, the authors challenge Ramsay's influential ‘cycles of control’ theory of participation as a managerial response to industrial relations pressures from below. Through a series of ‘ideal type’ scenarios, they indicate the range of management motives behind the new ‘wave’ of employee involvement schemes.
Business education and employment relations: the case of Germany
Authors: Lumley Roger
Published: July 2007

Here the author discusses the interrelationship between the university teaching of business economics and management practice in employment relations in Germany. It concludes that they are mutually supportive. In particular, the educational philosophy is very conducive to the adoption of a human resource management approach.
Living with the past: trade unionism in Hungary since political pluralism
Authors: Hughes Stephen
Published: July 2007

This article, in the context of a national fuel strike in October 1990, offers a detailed analysis of the largest of the new independent trade union federations in Hungary which emerged after the fall of Communism.
Multi‐unionism, size of bargaining group and strikes
Authors: Metcalf David , Wadsworth Jonathan , Ingram Peter
Published: July 2007

Two widely accepted stereotypes about strikes in British manufacturing industry are analysed using newly available data on some 5,000 pay contract negotiations. First, the reason why large workplaces have more strikes than others is examined. Second, the association between multi‐unionism and strikes is elaborated.
Japanisation? some early lessons from the British Post Office
Authors: Grint Keith
Published: July 2007

This article examines the allegedly unique Japanese system of industrial relations by comparing it to the British Post Office before 1939–where methods very similar to contemporary Japanese forms existed. This has implications for arguments which criticise the viability of successfully introducing the Japanisation of industry.
Decline and fall: national bargaining in British water
Authors: Ogden Stuart
Published: July 2007

This article examines the break‐up of national bargaining in the water industry following the privatisation of the ten Regional Water Authorities in the autumn of 1989. The author argues that the changes in bargaining structure were the result of a complex range of factors, and not simply the result of privatisation.
The Tories and employment law in Northern Ireland: seeing unions in a different light?
Authors: Cradden Terry
Published: July 2007

This article examines changes in Northern Ireland employment law in the last decade, with a view to establishing whether the unions there were handled more gently by government than at national level. It concludes that in 1992 ideological orthodoxy finally overwhelmed any feeling of benignity which may have survived from an earlier period.
What happened to single union deals?‐a research note
Authors: Gall Gregor
Published: July 2007

Single union deals were heralded by many as the way for the unions to survive in the 1990s. The importance of such deals has been reduced since then. Here the author examines the decline in the rate of signing and then looking at the factors which have led to this.
Recycled waste? debating the analysis of worker participation: a response to Ackers et al.
Authors: Ramsay Harvie
Published: July 2007

Here the approach to the analysis of employee involvement proposed by Ackers et al. is challenged on several counts, and its adequacy as an alternative to the accounts it questions is contested.
Roads to work: school‐to‐work transition patterns in Germany and the United States
Authors: Buechtemann Christoph F. , Schupp Juergen , Soloff Dana
Published: July 2007

Most industrialised countries in conditions of intensive, global economic competition recognise the central importance of workforces with adequate levels of education and skills. This article compares the educational and training outcomes during the critical school‐to‐work transition period in two countries with very different institutional arrangements–the USA and Germany.
Self‐employment: a study of seventeen OECD countries
Authors: Staber Udo , Bögenhold Dieter
Published: July 2007

This article examines some institutional‐political explanations for the revival of self‐employment in seventeen OECD countries since the 1970s. The empirical analysis suggests that cross‐country differences in the self‐employment rate are partly explained by the generosity of unemployment insurance schemes, left party strength, the size of the state sector, as well as general economic conditions.
Workplace unions and workplace industrial relations: the Italian experience
Authors: Terry Michael
Published: July 2007

An examination of the Italian system of workplace trade unionism and industrial relations reveals an interaction of legal protection and union and managerial behaviour that has contributed to the rapid development of local bargaining. Both this and the recent problems of union representativeness have implications for British students.
Battling against the odds: the emergence of senior women trade unionists
Authors: Dorgan Theresa , Grieco Margaret
Published: July 2007

In Britain, in July 1990, there were five women general secretaries, all of these had come into post since 1985. This article explores the negotiating context and styles of these leaders from a gender management perspective, paying particular attention to the danger of convergence contained in situations where male trade union leaders greatly outnumber their female counterparts.
Employment law and The European Community: review article
Authors: Lewis Paul , Lane Christel , Purcell John , Jackson John , Storey John , Steele Mairi
Published: July 2007

Book reviewed in this article:

Business Transfers and Employee Rights John McMullen Butterworths

Harmonization and Hazard: Regulating Workplace Health and Safety in the European Community Robert Baldwin and Terence Daintith (Eds.)

EC Social Policy and 1992: Laws, Cases and Materials

Union of Parts: Labor Politics in Postwar Germany Kathleen A. Thelen

The Power to Manage? Employers and Industrial Relations in Comparative Historical Context S. Tolliday and J. Zeitlin (Eds.)

Trouble on Board: The Plight of International Seafarers Paul K. Chapman (Introduction by Clifford B. Donn)

Markets, Firms and the Management of Labour in Modern Britain. Howard Gospel

Hard Cheese: A Study of Hotel and Catering Employment in Scotland Ian R. Macaulay and Roy C. Wood

Working Miracles: Experiences of Jobs and Childcare Usha Brown and Louise Tait Scottish
Where are European works councils?‐an update
Authors: Roberts Ivor
Published: July 2007

Widespread pressure within the European Community and the member states to promote employee information and consultation through European works councils continues to be an issue complicating the Maastricht Treaty's ratification and implementation. However, European works councils established voluntarily are already in operation in several transnational companies and funds have been available since 1992‐administered by the Commission on a vote from the European Parliament‐to promote and facilitate the councils pending the adoption of a formal directive. This article comments on this significant but under‐reported development.
The emergence of the Euro‐company: towards a European industrial relations?
Authors: Marginson Paul , Buitendam Arend , Deutschmann Christoph , Perulli Paolo
Published: July 2007

The growth of European‐scale companies represents a further centralisation of management organisation in large enterprises. But processes of decentralisation are also evident. Implications of these opposing trends for labour relations are unclear. Taking account of differences between national systems, the article considers two paths that management approaches could follow.
Overtime bans and strikes: evidence on relative incidence
Authors: Milner Simon
Published: July 2007

For the first time the increased use of cut‐price industrial action is identified alongside the declining incidence of strikes in the 1980s. Here data on the relative ‘popularity’ of strikes, overtime bans and go slows, kindly made available by the CBI, is compared to information from other surveys. The main conclusion is that the relative incidence of overtime bans and strikes has reversed in the 1980s compared with the 1970s.
Industrial relations and the construction of the Channel Tunnel
Authors: Fisher John
Published: July 2007

This article looks at industrial relations on the Channel Tunnel construction project. Contrary to many other developments in the industry, industrial relations here followed a pattern of joint regulation, strong trade union organisation, and the restriction of the fragmentation of the labour force into a large number of self‐employed individual sub‐contractors, known in the UK as ‘the lump’.
The behavioural impact on trade unionists of the trade union legislation of the 1980s: a research note
Authors: Welch Roger
Published: July 2007

This note is concerned with research conducted through a survey of trade union lay representatives to identify their perceptions of the current law and attitudes to compliance/non‐compliance with it. Emphasis is placed on how any misconceptions could affect the conduct of an industrial dispute.
European labour law and sectoral bargaining
Authors: Bercusson Brian
Published: July 2007

The tradition in national labour laws to support labour standards in collective agreements is reflected in the trend in EC labour law towards recognition of collectively bargained standards in a number of recent legislative initiatives. If this trend can be linked with, and reinforced by, sectoral bargaining at EC‐level, the emergence of a European labour law will come nearer to realisation.
Industrial relations and the customer
Authors: Heery Edmund
Published: July 2007

This article examines the implications for industrial relations of the current enthusiasm for ‘customer care’. It does this by reviewing how the three main industrial relations actors; managers, government and trade unions, have responded to the customer service imperative and by considering some of the implications of a ‘customer focus’ for industrial relations theory.
Small firms and trades unions in services in the 1990s
Authors: Abbott Brian
Published: July 2007

With the decline in trade union membership it is essential that trade unions recruit employees in small firms in the service sector.* The theme of this article is whether unions can recruit in these firms. The interviews provide insights into the attitudes of employers and employees towards trade unions with possible policy implications.
Implementing TQM: top down or bottom up?
Authors: Hunter Laurie , Beaumont P. B.
Published: July 2007

Here the authors examine the challenges posed by the phased introduction of TQM in an organisation. Longitudinal study shows that the phased approach has experienced difficulties which are examined in the context of the debate as to where in the organisation the leading edge of change is best located.
Unionisation and human resource management in Irish companies
Authors: Turner Thomas
Published: July 2007

Irish trade unions, at establishment level, are experiencing the same problems as in other countries. This article, from a survey of 1500 companies, firstly assesses the impact of structural variables on trade union density; and, secondly, the influence of human resource management on labour management strategies.
Performance related pay: contrasting approaches
Authors: Kessler Ian
Published: July 2007

In this article the author assesses the variations in the way in which organisations design, implement and operate individual performance related pay systems. Drawing upon the findings from two case studies, he highlights the importance of historical and other contextual factors in explaining these variations.
Shop stewards' organisation in Ford Halewood: from Beynon to today
Authors: Darlington Ralph
Published: July 2007

This article revisits the Ford Halewood car plant on Merseyside to assess the extent of shop steward bureaucratisation since Huw Beynon's Working for Ford appeared twenty years ago. It suggests that, notwithstanding very substantial changes, there are important elements of continuity with the shop‐floor union vitality of the past.
Equal pay for work of equal value: guidance from the European Court of Justice A research note
Authors: Singh Ramsumair
Published: July 2007

This note examines the wider implications for issues related to equal pay for work of equal value and for industrial relations generally, in the recent decision of the European Court of Justice in Enderby v Frenchay Health Authority. Emphasis is placed on the issues raised for practitioners.
Decentralisation and devolution in local government: pressures and obstacles
Authors: Gill Whyeda
Published: July 2007

Pressures to decentralise management and bargaining structures in local government have been building up for over a decade. Here the author presents findings from case studies of two local authorities. The chances for success of such moves are discussed through an analysis of intra‐organisational conflict and multi‐lateral bargaining.
Education, training and the economy
Authors: Buechtemann Christoph F. , Soloff Dana J.
Published: July 2007

Report* on an international conference on “Human Capital Investments and Economic Performance”, Santa Barbara, California, November 1993
Spanish trade unions 1986–1994; life after national agreements
Authors: Rigby Mike , Lawlor Teresa
Published: July 2007

The article reviews the situation of the Spanish trade unions since 1986 concluding that despite the fragmentation of corporatism and their organisational weakness, the unions have been able to retain a significant role in Spanish society but now face a major challenge.
Equal pay policy and wage regulation systems in Europe
Authors: Rubery Jill , Fagan Colette
Published: July 2007

This article argues that there is no one ideal wage determination system for gender pay equity. Different forms and levels of regulation provide different services and functions. Specific policies need to be sensitive to conditions within European member states with the EC acting as a catalyst to and monitor of change.
A role for a pan‐European trade union movement?–possibilities in European IR‐regulation
Authors: Jensen Carsten Strøby , Madsen Jørgen Steen , Due Jesper
Published: July 2007

Steps towards internationalisation of the trade union movement are considered in the context of the process of political and economic integration taking place in the EU. The trade unions are trying–partly via the ETUC–to play a role at pan‐European level. However, the European trade union movement is not a cohesive entity. Besides, it has no significant transnational power‐resources. These factors suggest that any European IR‐system will be based primarily on political regulation rather than on a system of collective agreements.
East German labour market in transition: segmentation and increasing disparity
Authors: Grünert Holle , Lutz Burkart
Published: July 2007

The employment system of the former GDR–like that of other socialist countries–could be seen as an aggregation of ‘internal labour markets’ with long term employment, internal promotion and little external mobility. Consequently the rapid integration of the East German economy into the western market economy has led to structural problems of the labour market which combined with and intensified the general effects of the sharp decrease in the demand for labour.
Size of employment unit and injury rates in British manufacturing: a secondary analysis of WIRS 1990 data
Authors: Nichols Theo , Dennis Amanda , Guy Will
Published: July 2007

This article uses unique information provided by the WIRS 1990 dataset in order to explore the relation between size and industrial injury in British manufacturing industry. Results are reported for both independent establishments and for those which form part of larger organisations. The examination of the relation between the injury rate and other variables is permitted by use of a regression model.
“It's good to talk”? the reform of joint consultation in British Telecom
Authors: Barrett Martin , Heery Edmund
Published: July 2007

Here the authors describe a series of changes to the structure and process of joint consultation introduced at British Telecom (BT) in the early 1990s. It describes and analyses the reasons for these changes and accounts for the largely hostile response from BT trade unions. The key claim is that management have refashioned joint consultation to better control and limit union activity in the firm and that the changes form part of a wider policy of union marginalisation at BT.
European integration and the pay policies of British multinationals
Authors: Walsh Janet , Zappala Gianni , Brown William
Published: July 2007

European economic integration has generated intense interest in the prospect of a European labour market. This article brings new evidence to bear on the issue of employer responses to European integration and concludes that British owned multinational companies have, as yet, only made partial moves towards the Europeanisation of their pay determination arrangements.
The impact of self governing trusts on trades unions and staff associations in the NHS
Authors: Bryson Colin , Jackson Michael , Leopold John
Published: July 2007

The creation of NHS trusts has the potential to fundamentally affect the role and influence of staff organisations in the NHS. The authors examine the extent to which this has occurred in some of the NHS trusts and the responses by staff organisations at national and local level.
The legislative reform of union government 1979–94
Authors: Martin R. , Smith P. , Fosh P. , Morris H. , Undy R.
Published: July 2007

This article outlines Conservative legislation on union government, documenting extensive regulation in place by 1994. It looks at the major objectives of government policy, including the twin themes of encouraging individualism and reducing union power. The degree of success achieved is examined and a framework in terms of competing rationalities outlined.
Resolving employment rights disputes – options for reform Commentary on the Green Paper
Authors: Singh Ramsumair
Published: July 2007

This commentary explores some of the main issues raised in the recent Green Paper ‘Resolving Employment Rights Disputes–Option for Reform’. The Green Paper is the first comprehensive review of the industrial tribunals since their inception in 1964, and an assessment is made of various options for reform outlined in the Paper.
Employers, trade unions and environmental problems in Europe
Authors: Gill Colin
Published: July 2007

This article reports the results of a comparative EU study, showing that there is evidence that the social partners in some countries have begun to discuss environmental protection as part of their industrial relations agenda, but such discussions are limited in scope and are restricted to a small number of countries, particularly Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands.
Human resource management, union voice and the use of discipline: an analysis of WIRS3
Authors: Edwards P. K.
Published: July 2007

Three outcomes of personnel practice (rates of discipline, quitting and absence) are analysed. There was no firm association with measures of practices associated with Human Resource Management. By contrast, unionisation was strongly associated with the low use of discipline and low quit rates: union ‘voice’ remains influential in the 1990s.
The self‐employed without employees—autonomous or atypical?
Authors: Stanworth Celia , Stanworth John
Published: July 2007

The 1980s and early 1990s have witnessed a substantial growth in the self‐employed component of the national labour‐force. Of these, around two‐thirds are one‐person businesses without employees. This article identifies an occupational grouping which occupies a position at the extreme point on a continuum of small business independence, virtually indistinguishable from that of employees.
Changes in public employment and the provision of public services: the implications for labour law
Authors: Morris Gillian S.
Published: July 2007

Workers in the public sector have commonly been subject to a more restrictive labour law regime than their private sector counterparts. This article argues that this has become anachronistic and proposes a more sophisticated model for according differential treatment to particular groups of workers.
Flexible work practices in South Africa: economic, labour relations and regulatory considerations
Authors: Horwitz Frank
Published: July 2007

Here the author reviews flexible work practices in South Africa (SA) using Blyton's typology of functional, numerical, temporal and wage flexibility. Workplace flexibility implications for SA labour market and increased use of numerical flexibility are discussed. The article identifies factors limiting the introduction of flexible work practices.
Introducing team working–a motor industry case study from Germany
Authors: Murakami Thomas
Published: July 2007

Teamwork is seen as a key component of lean production, and often was and still is viewed as an attack on union influence in the workplace. This case study from Germany, based on its introduction in one automobile plant, shows how trade unions, works‐council and management were able to create a team‐concept beneficial to both sides.
Occupational pension schemes: the trade union demension
Authors: Terry N G. , White P J.
Published: July 2007

Here the scope for unions to further the interests of the members of occupational pension schemes is discussed. These complex issues have been further complicated by recent pensions scandals, associated employee distress, and proposals for reform of a relatively modest nature.
Economic development and industrial relations: the case of South and Southeast Asia
Authors: Kuruvilla Sarosh , Venkataratnam C. S.
Published: July 2007

This article outlines the close relationship between economic development and industrial relations in South and Southeast Asia. After an examination of key industrial relations features, the authors discuss emergent global trends and current Asian realities, and highlight lessons from the Asian experience, and the implications for the future.
Democracy, labour and development: transforming industrial relations in Africa
Authors: Fashoyin Tayo , Matanmi Segun
Published: July 2007

Here the authors assess the status of labour development in Africa. The continental constraints of the political context and overall environment of the employment relationships are discussed. They conclude that the longer term role of African unions should be facilitated by greater tripartite concertation and government flexibility.
Different roads: changes in industrial and employee relations in the Czech Republic and East Germany* since 1989
Authors: Hegewisch Ariane , Brewster Chris , Koubek Josef
Published: July 2007

This article examines the differential impact of post Communist restructuring on industrial and employee relations in the Czech Republic and East Germany. It reviews the pre and post Communist systems of industrial relations and personnel management in the two countries and draws on original survey data to examine how this influences employee relations at organisation level.
Labour relations, economic development and democracy in the 21st century
Authors: Zapata Francisco
Published: July 2007

Within the context of the transformation of capitalist society in the last third of the twentieth century–a decline in the relative importance of manufacturing both in terms of GDP and employment, changes in the conception of work as mental rather than manual and in the types of interaction between capital and labour ‐ labour relations systems in the twenty‐first century will be very different from those prevailing today.
Privatisation and labour relations in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Egorov Vladislav
Published: July 2007

The decision to transform capital ownership in Central and Eastern Europe is proving, in its practical application, to be both a controversial and lengthy process. In examining privatisation this article considers its main features and the consequences of its implementation for the social partners and the industrial relations system.
Working in steel: steelworkers’ attitudes to change 40 years on
Authors: Blyton Paul , Bacon Nick , Morris Jonathan
Published: July 2007

In workplace studies, there are few examples of researchers returning to previously studied sites. A recent study in the steel industry included an attitude survey at a plant previously studied in the 1950s. Despite massive changes at the plant, various important similarities are evident in the two studies. In part, these are seen to reflect the continuing influence of occupational identities and structures on steelworkers’ attitudes.
Employee participation and contemporary labor law in the US
Authors: Miller Ronald L.
Published: July 2007

Employee participation has commonly been seen, in US conditions, as in potential conflict with the maintenance and development of collective bargaining. Since labor law seeks to protect the collective bargaining rights of employees, an important current debate is concerned with to what extent, if at all, the law needs to be changed to encourage employee participation schemes without weakening this protection.
Homeworking in Britain: the national picture in the mid‐1990s
Authors: Felstead Alan
Published: July 2007

Previously published research on homeworking in Britain has been locally specific or dated. Yet this form of working is an area of current policy‐making concern. By providing national data on the extent and characteristics of homeworking in Britain in the mid‐1990s, this article aims to plug the gap.
Mělée on the Mersey: contracts, competition and labour relations on the docks
Authors: Saundry Richard , Turnbull Peter
Published: July 2007

Although strikes on the waterfront are now rare, the Liverpool dock dispute is indicative of how deregulation of the dockland labour market has compelled operators to cut ever more deeply into labour costs, and casualise the employment relationship. This has had an adverse effect on port performance and undermines the ability of employers to compete effectively.
Learning from past mistakes? recent reforms in Italian industrial relations
Authors: Locke Richard M. , Baccaro Lucio
Published: July 2007

Since the early 1990s, major reform efforts aimed at reducing industrial conflict, rationalising public sector labour relations, restructuring collective bargaining arrangements, and re‐establishing tripartite ‘con‐certation’ have transformed Italian industrial relations. This article argues that because these new reforms have been accompanied by significant shifts in both Italy's political system and the unions’ own organisation, they stand a better chance of succeeding than previous reform projects.