Report on industrial relations in public sector

A report published by the International Labour Organisation provides a highly critical analysis of the reforms to social dialogue and collective bargaining. In relation to the public sector it says that workers there have been especially badly affected in relation to their wages and a wide range of other entitlements. Collective bargaining across all sectors has been seriously undermined. More broadly the report concludes: "Ultimately, the reforms have had detrimental social impacts and not delivered the economic benefits promised." [Read more at > EPSU->www.epsu.org/a/9573] [And at > EIRO-

According to the European Commission its 2006 Industrial Relations in Europe report shows that co-operation between employers and trade unions plays an increasing role in the European workplace and can help to create the right conditions for strong growth. The report is a biennial review of developments in social dialogue and collective bargaining across Europe. This new edition highlights the need for action by social partners at national level to implement the intersectoral agreements such as those on telework and stress. The report notes the trend towards decentralisation in collective