In today's society, the foreground of deliberation-in politics, legislation, judicial decisions, even war is increasingly experienced by citizens as a mask for the working out of norms and institutions the precise nature of which eludes us. We are accustomed to looking behind every news item, often feeling that the real decisions are made by other people than those who seem to be in power, or that events are merely driven by facts on the ground or unconscious motives. To consider global business activity, and especially employment issues, in this experiential context is a daring and...

Has European economic and market integration curtailed the autonomy of national industrial relations actors and institutions? Or has it reinforced their roles in securing much-needed economic adjustment? This important book offers a deeply-informed comparative perspective on these questions, drawing on empirical research on changing conditions within and beyond the EU. The book builds on papers presented at the 8th European Regional Congress of the International Industrial Relations Association, held in the UK in September 2007. The authors are leading academic authorities from Austria,...

Labour Law and Industrial Relations in Germany gives the reader a broad understanding of German labour law covering all important aspects. The book deals with the sources of labour law, individual employment relationships, collective bargaining, remuneration, working conditions, and dispute settlement. It provides advocates, administrators, management, and especially students, with an overview of all aspects of German labour law, and, to some extent, of its social, economic, and political context. The fourth edition is a revised version and all the latest developments are covered.