An introduction to collective bargaining and industrial relations

Katz Harry Charles

4th edition (2008) This text covers key topics in industrial relations and collective bargaining using a unique conceptual framework based on the three levels of industrial relations activity (strategic, functional, and workplace). Each level is discussed in separate part. The first part is "The Strategic level of industrial relations and structures for collective bargaining" which discusses management strategies and structures for collective bargaining and union strategies and structures for representing workers. The second part is "The functional level of industrial relations" which discusses the union organizing and bargaining structures, the negotiations process and strikes, dispute resolution procedures, and contract terms and employment outcomes. The third part is "The workplace level of industrial relations" which deals with administering the employment relationship and participatory processes. The text extensively discusses recent reorganizations in the process and outcome of bargaining, including detailed treatment of the participatory process. Moreover, it discusses special topics which are collective bargaining in the public sector, international and comparative industrial relations, and the future of US labor policy and industrial relations.