Publications

By Ludek Rychly, May 2009, ISBN No. 978-92-2-122323-8

This paper looks at past economic crises to identify lessons that can be learned from industrial relations developments in different regions and varying circumstances. The paper describes the development of social dialogue in the early period of the current crisis in order to inform the reader about the forms and content of crisis-related social dialogue in different parts of the world and to provide national examples. It concludes by suggesting policy options. The paper also contains tables of national and enterprise-level cases documenting the role of social dialogue and industrial relations in addressing the employment impact of the crisis.

By Debbie Budlender, May 2009, ISBN No. 978-92-2-122373-3

This paper is part of a comparative study examining industrial relations developments in different countries and regions of the world. It examines how industrial relations systems and practices in South Africa have evolved and are adapting to meet contemporary labour market challenges. It is particularly interested in collective bargaining trends and in innovative agreements that contribute to employment security, social protection and the implementation of workers' rights.

By Thomas Haipeter and Steffen Lehndorff, May 2009, ISBN No. 978-92-2-122360-3

This paper examines the manner in which industrial relations actors have used collective bargaining to address issues of employment and employment insecurity. While the bulk of collective bargaining over the last two decades has been on "how to" implement job cuts, actors have increasingly used collective bargaining as an instrument to negotiate alternatives and save jobs. In the context of the current economic crisis, the paper highlights the importance of the interplay between collective bargaining actors and the State. It also points to the need to strengthen the social partners and industrial relations institutions, without which firms may lack the capacity to reach the bargains needed to save jobs, maintain incomes and improve firm performance.

By Moussa Oumarou, ISBN No. 978-92-2-219689-0

By Shauna Olney, Marleen Rueda, ISBN 92-2-117468-9

Collective bargaining is fundamental to the International Labour Orgainization and an important form of social dialogue. This booklet is about how countries can promote collective bargaining through ratifying and implementing the ILO Convention no. 154 concerning the Promotion of Collective Bargaining. Convention no. 154, adopted by the International Labour Conference in 1981 calls upon member States to promote free and voluntary collective bargaining where necessary and furthermore specifies practical means of doing so.

General Editors: Gianni Arrigo and Giuseppi Casale, ISBN 92-2-115731-8

The Glossary of labour law and industrial relations, one of the first of its kind, provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of the development and current status of labour law and industrial relations issues, including globalization and international labour standards.

Going a step further than simple definitions, this easy-to-use glossary provides substantive entries and cross-references between international labour standards, European Union Directives, resolutions and regulations. In this respect, definitions from the public domain are taken from legislative and specialized texts dealing with international standards and institutions in general.

The glossary also explores the most relevant issues surrounding the global debate on the social dimension of globalization and includes entries on current achievements, debates, ideas and programmes, as highlighted in the 2004 Report of the Director-General of the ILO on the World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization, A fair globalization: The role of the ILO. These issues are summarized in the substantive introduction for easy reference.

Conceived as an education tool, this storehouse of practical definitions also provides practitioners and scholars with advice and suggestions that may be taken into account in their day-to-day work. Legal specialists, employers, workers and government officials will find recognized and accepted international labour practices in a number of domains of interest to them. A valuable addition to the current literature on the topic, this glossary aims to contribute to the overall development of a sound social dialogue and industrial relations system at different levels of the economy.

Priced publication. Available from ILO Publications.

By Ludek Rychly, Marketa Vylitova, ISBN 92-2-117208-2

The study covers 11 countries with distinct traditions, different stages of economic development and diverse social situations and industrial relations patterns intentional. It highlights the achievements of European social dialogue, especially in the policy design and implementation phases of employment policies. Its conclusions show that while the recognition of social dialogue as a vital element in the promotion of employment policy is generally growing, the practice must be improved everywhere. The key to success lies not only in improving the legal and institutional frameworks, but more importantly, in strengthening the political will of all parties involved.

Edited by A. Sivananthiram, C. S. Venkata Ratnam, ISBN 92-2-117365-8

This publication contains several papers presented at the Regional Meeting on Sharing Experiences of Social Dialogue at the Workplace held in Delhi from 1-3 November 2004. It also includes a paper on the concept, methodology and outcome of the South Asian and Vietnam Project on Tripartism (SAVPOT). Empirical material includes an analysis of experiences of organizational behaviour reflecting workers' involvement and participative management through work teams in a porcelain factory in Sri Lanka and the study of a plantation which highlighted the use of social dialogue as a means of enhancing productivity and quality of work life. In addition, it contains a study of two automobile companies in India and of their two ancillaries to identify the potential benefits that social dialogue brings in the auto industry. The Factory Improvement Programme strategy for developing social dialogue at the workplace along with health and safety, working conditions, productivity and quality is also included to bring out the remarkable changes that took place in the participating factories.