International labour relations

Abstract

The field of research known as international labour relations (ILR) examines how institutional stakeholders (such as international organisations, supranational bodies, trade unions, the state, society and industry) shape the conditions, standards and relations of labour. ILR is different from domestic labour relations because it allows us to consider multiple national settings. As such, to understand ILR we need an appreciation of both various economic, social, political and institutional arrangements (Lipietz, 1997) at the domestic level and the relationships between institutional actors in two or more national settings. It is important to note that, although ILR policies and discussions may take place internationally, labour relations practice remains firmly localised. As the policy and practice of labour relations span international treaties, national regulation and local practices, this chapter's structure reflects the multilevel nature of labour relations, taking into account macro-, meso- and micro-levels (that is, labour relations at international, national and organisational levels).

The chapter approaches the subject from four angles. First, we examine the contemporary context of labour relations, putting the transformation of labour relations in its historical setting; such context helps us to understand how and why ILR is practised today and how ILR connects with IHRM. Second, we assess the range of labour standards (e.g. wages and conditions) on which ILR activities focus in the international arena. The achievement of labour standards remains a distant dream and yet setting and maintaining labour standards are important mechanisms in protecting workers' rights. Third, we examine the key stakeholders (e.g. trade unions) with which international assignees and international HR managers must negotiate and agree labour standards. This section offers a political reading of the ILR and assesses the influence of its varied institutional actors. Fourth, we explain the three reasons for adoption of international labour standards—the principled stance, solidarity and voluntarism—exploring the implications of each rationale. At the end of the chapter, we offer two case studies, from Turkey and South Africa, that highlight the complexity of adopting and implementing ILS at national level.