Industrial Relations in Europe

Teacher(s)

Léonard Evelyne;

Language

English

Main themes

The course successively examines the following questions : - what is it about? Definitions of industrial relations and major theoretical perspectives - who are the players? Introduction to players and institutions of industrial relations; - what are the challenges? Analysis of the major challenges related to globalisation, European integration, multinational companies, transformations of work, etc. - in Belgium, and elsewhere? Comparative approach of industrial relations systems.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	Having regard to the LO of the programme X, this activity contributes to the development and acquisition of the following LO: 1. Corporate citizenship 1.1. Demonstrate independent reasoning, look critically 1.2.Decide and act by incorporating ethical and humanistic values  1.3. Decide and act responsibly ...

Content

Objectives

In this course, you will explore the employment relations in different countries, specifically in the context of the European Union. By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Go beyond basic assumptions and stereotypes on employment relations in different national contexts;
• Identify and account for similarities and differences across countries in employment relations;
  
• Analyse the interactions between specific company practices or employment relations problems and the wider environment;
  
• Understand the articulation and interaction between different levels of employment relations.
  

The final aim is to develop your understanding of national and European employment institutions and processes, and your capacity to analyse and influence change in your future organisation in its wider institutional context.
In addition, the course will develop your capacity to present an analysis in a clear, rigorous and stimulating way, and work in virtual groups.

Topics covered

• Employment relations, industrial relations: definition and dimensions
• Paradigms that explain national similarities or differences
• Companies and institutions: employers and employer associations, trade unions, the State, collective bargaining
• European industrial relations and their implications for company-level industrial relations

Teaching methods

The course is partly based on lectures and partly assignment-based: therefore it requires all students' active participation in individual assignments and teamwork.

Evaluation methods

Continuous evaluation
The evaluation is divided in two parts:

• Team presentations in the classroom (50%);
• Final essay in which the team responds to the overall assignment (50%).

Online resources

See course-specific Moodle web page.

Faculty or entity

CLSM