Are Global Framework Agreements Changing Industrial Relations? - A critical study of labour regulation regimes

Abstract

As the numbers of multinational corporations (MNCs) steadily increases production becomes more and more global. Today, production can easily be moved from one corner of the world to another if corporations find this to increase their profit. This puts trade unions in front of a new challenge as they now have to find strategies in order to promote and secure labour rights on a globalized labour market. One strategy chosen by global trade unions are to, together with MNCs, sign so called global framework agreements (GFAs). Agreements aiming to improve labour standards and regulate labour employer relations.<br> In this thesis I am trying to answer why global trade unions are turning to GFAs as global strategy for strengthening labour rights. I am also discussing whether GFAs can be considered progressive and whether GFAs are changing industrial relations. The findings show that trade unions foremost understands GFAs as a tool for strengthening the position of trade unions, to give trade unions legitimacy as labour representatives and to ensure labour-business dialogue. Whether or not GFAs can come to be a tool for changing industrial relations will in large extant depend on trade union ability to mobilize internally and whether this mobilization can be considered as progressive; to stand for values routed in internationalism, egalitarianism, and moral economy.<br> <br> KEYWORDS: Global Framework Agreements, Industrial Relations, Corporate Social Responsibility, Labour Rights, Structural Change<br> <br> NUMBER OF WORDS: 19 250