Industrial relations - Industrial action and collective disputes

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 the employees, such as pay, working conditions and health and safety, and inform and consult with employees prior to taking key decisions. If disputes are not resolved, employees may have the right to take industrial action, depending on the applicable legal framework.

In this guide, we examine the different types of industrial action and the ways in which employers can respond to it. We also look at the strategic considerations employers need to consider when managing disputes and industrial action.

Other guides in the series on industrial relations:

• Industrial relations - Global strategy
• Industrial relations - Employee representation
• Industrial relations - Collective bargaining and collective agreements
• Industrial relations - Industrial action and collective disputes