Traditionally, relations among employers and their associations, workers through their trade unions, and sometimes the public authorities have performed an economic function: ensuring a harmonious balance in production and the distribution of the fruits of growth. They also have two other objectives that were less apparent in the past: a social objective (ensuring that everyone who wishes to work is integrated into civil society) and a democratic objective (giving workers their say in professional life). More recently, there has been a trend towards greater independence of enterprises and more individualized labour relationships. The ability of occupational organizations to act is being questioned, union membership is down, employers associations are facing difficulties, and the usefulness of collective bargaining is being challenged. The result - the disruption and marginalization of industrial relations.World Labour Report 1997-98 examines the relevance and limits of the social forces that are bringing abo