Industrial relations - Collective bargaining and collective agreements

The concept of industrial relations (also known as "labour relations") relates to employer-employee relations when employees are represented by an employee representative body, such as a trade union (also known as "labour unions") or works council. The employer may be required to negotiate with the relevant body or bodies regarding issues that affect employees, such as pay, working conditions and health and safety, and inform and consult with them prior to taking key decisions. Where disputes are not resolved, employees may have the right to take industrial action, depending on the applicable legal framework.

For multinational employers, managing changes to employees' terms and conditions and engaging in collective bargaining can be complex. This guide explores matters that may be subject to collective bargaining, trade union recognition for collective bargaining, collective bargaining agreements, and strategic approaches to collective bargaining.

Other guides on industrial relations are:

• Industrial relations - Global strategy
• Industrial relations - Employee representation
• Industrial relations - Information, consultation and co-determination
• Industrial relations - Industrial action and collective disputes