IR in EU and Other Global Economies: The Role of Social Partners in Tackling the Crisis and Promoting Sustainable Development - United States Report and Questionnaire

Abstract

This report presents the United States data and information solicited by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) for their conference Studies on, ‘EU and other Global Economies. The Role of Social Partners in tackling the crisis’, Dublin 30 November – 1 December 2011. As stated by Eurofound in developing this conference, the... objective of this work is to focus on the “social sustainability” aspects in a number of countries, such as EU (selected countries) and Brazil, China, Japan and USA, and understand better how each country addresses the social aspects of sustainable growth. There has been a significant shift in the focus of research in industrial relations in recent years. Research findings show changing patterns in the world of work and in markets globally with significant growth of non-standard forms of employment and the growing dominance of the service sector in the advanced economies. These patterns require labour legislation and social dialogue to adapt to the new conditions. Pursuing sustainable policies at times of crisis is not always an easy exercise. However, practices identified in certain countries can help promote a global debate on responsible, sustainable policies at different levels (national, sectoral, local, company). The purpose of this research is to capture trends in forms of employment (i.e. self employment, part time work, temporary work, full time work) in the participating countries, the role of regulation (how different types of employment are regulated), how labour market policies facilitate the economy’s adaptation to changes in the business environment and how can countries achieve the desired economic results but not at the expense of social costs through the adoption of sustainable and responsible policies at all levels, national, sectoral, company. A core question of this work is the role trade unions and business associations (either jointly or separately) play on achieving social sustainability objectives and mitigating the negative effects of the global economic crisis. Governments can pursue measures to support economic growth, along with - what is the focus of our research - adapting labour market institutions, providing skills to match needs, social insurance, providing a legal framework to protect work in a sustainable way. Equally, companies need to innovate, enhance productivity, develop skills, adopt technologies and compete successfully through sustainable policies. In times of economic crisis the right mix of policies is vital to achieve sustainable growth and respond to aspirations of people for economic and social development.