Tracing the potential benefits and complex contingencies of multilevel collective bargaining

Grimshaw, Damian; Brandl, Brand; Bertranou, Fabio; Gontero, Sonia

Abstract

This article provides a critical review of the international evidence for economic benefits of multi-level collective bargaining. The expected gains are highly contingent and depend upon a raft of interlocking enabling conditions. This means that as countries such as Australia, Chile, New Zealand and the UK seek to develop, or reinvigorate, institutions for multi-level collective bargaining, there is a need to interrogate their respective institutional starting points. We argue that the process of institutional reform demands particular attention to four key factors - a country’s political commitment towards social dialogue, the degree of understanding of the complex institutional architecture of collective bargaining, the prioritising of inclusive democratic representation, and the resources available to invest in the capacities of workers’ and employers’ organisations. The article concludes by setting out key policy issues.

Citation

Grimshaw, D., Brandl, B., Bertranou, F., & Gontero, S. (2024). Tracing the potential benefits and complex contingencies of multilevel collective bargaining. International Labour Review, 163(4), 657-675. https://doi.org/10.1111/ilr.12444

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 18, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Dec 2, 2024
• Publication Date: 2024-12
• Deposit Date: Jun 24, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 2, 2024
• Journal: International Labour Review
• Print ISSN: 0020-7780
• Electronic ISSN: 1564-913X
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 163
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 657-675
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ilr.12444
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2499779