Edited by Andrew Harvey and Carolyn Jones

Published in September 2003

This edition of Federation News focuses on the added benefits unions bring to the workplace, to the community, to the economy and to society at large. The breadth of issue covered in this edition, reflects the variety of ways in which unions can and do work with their members to offer a better vision of society.

By Jennifer Eady and Rebecca Tuck

Published in September 2003

By Professor Keith Ewing

Published in July 2003

This publication was commissioned from the Institute of Employment Rights by the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF).

By Glynis M Truter

Published in May 2003

In 1997 British workers were promised fairness at work and a new approach to labour relations based on social partnership – a vision welcomed by the TUC. The most commonly discussed model of social partnership was that operating in Germany, with particular reference to German-style ‘consultation’ rights. Also welcomed was the EC Information and Consultation Directive – due to be implemented by March 2005.

Edited by John Hendy and Carolyn Jones

Published in May 2003

There could surely not be a more appropriate time to consider how best to promote, protect and extend international law than now amidst the anguish of war. This edition of Federation News focuses specifically on standards relating to the rights of trade unions and their members.

John Hendy, QC begins by highlighting the UK’s shameful defiance of international standards. He argues that such behaviour should not simply be seen as an item for discussion at trade union education courses. Rather recognising and upholding international standards should form the central argument for repealing and replacing the worst aspects of UK laws. He puts forward a number of strategies for improving the situation, both at national and international level and urges trade unions to pursue them all.

By Fang Lee Cooke, Jill Earnshaw and Jill Rubery

Published in October 2002

This new report looks at the growing complexity of the employment relationship, the shift towards individual statutory employment protection and the need for trade unions to organise and bargain beyond the enterprise level if terms and conidtions of employment are to be defended and extended. Based on original research, the authors outline the nature of the new forms of employment including agency workers, self-employed, outsourced work, PPP and PFI arrangements and use a call centre as a case study to highlight the multi-agency nature of the modern employment relationship. The paper concludes by suggesting six areas of policy and employment law changes aimed at identifying where the real power lies in the employment relationship, thereby providing better protection for those working in multi-employer situations.