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Wild Side Episode 10 explores international trade unions, their identity, and current priorities. Employee relations professionals often engage with them for expertise in European Works Councils or as targets of global corporate campaigns. These trade unions influence policy through the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and UN systems, primarily via ITUC, ETUC, UniGlobal, and IndustriALL. Their focus includes International Framework Agreements and capacity building for the movement.
Key Takeaways:
What organisations make up the ILO, and what is their collective objective? [1:03]
The ITUC is the global coordinating body of National Trade Union Federations. [3:34]
The two most active and well-known Global Union Federations (GUFs) and their objectives. [5:02]
International Framework Agreements and the conventions they commit to. [9:13]
LabourStart.org is an extensive network and resource of trade union information. [12:17]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
LabourStart
Alan Wild on Linkedin
[email protected] — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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This is the second of the Wild Side podcasts’ addressing the impact of social networks on employee relations. In this episode, Host Alan Wild looks at non-traditional forms of collective action such as protests and disputes organized not through trade unions, but by employees orchestrating collective voice by leveraging social media tools. It also explores cases where employees have joined together to overturn agreements reached by untrusted trade unions. Are union-free companies immune to protests or strikes? This episode challenges outdated assumptions that haven't stood the test of time.
Key Takeaways:
Examples of successful socially-driven protests that affected tech giants Google and Amazon. [1:34]
Why is socially driven collective action significant? [4:08]
Employee voice now has multiple channels. [7:07]
How companies can adapt to the new world of employee voice and employee listening. [11:18]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
[email protected] — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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This new episode of The Wild Side podcast deals with Activist Capture. Host Alan Wild describes the two forms of activist capture and shares regional examples of how it might play out. The first is where low voting in Works Council ballots results in the election of members who put their own interests before those of the people they represent. A similar issue is faced where thresholds for trade union representation are very low, and militant unions secure bargaining rights for the workforce despite having few members. The phenomenon is observed in rights-based employee relations systems and is a growing issue for Tech companies with no history of works council organization or trade union membership. The second form of activist capture is where internal company issues are hijacked by militant activists for their purposes, explode out of control in social and mainstream media, and are judged in the court of public opinion.
Key Takeaways:
The two distinct forms of activist capture. [1:40]
A recap of power-based countries and rights-based countries. [2:56]
All European employees have a say in who represents them in elections. [4:21]
Rights of Trade Union Committees in Nordic and Central and Eastern European countries. [7:37]
Activist capture in the Tech industry in Europe. [9:28]
Examples of socially-driven activist capture in the United States. [11:41]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
[email protected] — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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The seventh episode in the “Wild Side '' focuses on works councils. Information and consultation bodies exist in many countries in some form, this episode concentrates on works councils or trade union committees with information and consultation rights in Europe. We discuss why establishing constructive relationships with bodies that represent employee interests is fundamental to European employee relations. A short example of managing a restructuring exercise across Europe sets out information and consultation and the penalties that can apply if the company gets it wrong.
Key Takeaways:
The history of works councils in Europe. [:12]
Common misconceptions about works councils and the common threads that bind them. [2:10]
Membership guidelines for works councils. [5:14]
Power and penalties of works councils. [8:10]
An example of how works councils and trade unions can affect workplace restructuring. [9:44]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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This episode of the Wild Side podcast delves into the intricacies of Mexico, shedding light on its trade unions, labor codes, and recent developments impacting employee relations. In a staggering shift, more than 90% of Mexico's industrial companies were under collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) before May 2023. However, by June 1st, this figure plummeted to less than 20%. Reuters reports that a staggering 139,000 CBAs dissolved in May 2023 alone. Leaving companies used to years of so-called “Protection Agreements” or sweetheart deals with “white“ unions, union-free. Starting in the auto sector, and aided by US colleagues and the USMCA treaty, Mexico’s more militant unions are on the organizing trail. Host Alan Wild unravels the events leading to this significant change, offers insights into the future of trade unions, and explores the considerations companies may be contemplating.
Key Takeaways:
A data snippet of Mexico’s economy and demographics. [1:51]
Current events impacting Mexico’s trade unions. [4:30]
Mexican labor codes and regulations. [6:43]
A brief history of Mexican trade unions. [9:18]
Pertinent information for companies with employees in Mexico. [12:38]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
[email protected] — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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The fifth episode in the “Wild Side” deals with European Works Councils or EWCs. European Works Councils have become a familiar part of the employee relations infrastructure in Europe over the last 25 years. This podcast describes the evolution of EWC law and practice up to the current proposals from the European Commission for a major revision. Despite employer fears when the laws were passed, most companies reached voluntary agreements prior to the law taking effect. Companies have adapted well and describe most EWCs today as constructive. That assessment may be revised when the laws are likely to be revised during 2024.
Key Takeaways:
The European Works Council Directive. [1:30]
National laws must comply with the European Union Directive. [4:57]
Requirements for establishing an EWC Directive in a company. [6:13]
Definitions within the EWC environment. [9:40]
Important elements of EWC agreements. [12:02]
Transnational events and Select committees. [13:52]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
[email protected] — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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The fourth episode of the “Wild Side” details the anatomy of a corporate campaign, what they are, how they are organised, and how to identify a company's vulnerabilities. National corporate campaigns began in 1899. Today, global campaigns go viral with the help of social media. Tools of the trade are not strikes or workplace labour sanctions but actions that damage a company’s reputation in the eyes of customers, legislators, politicians, shareholders, and the public. Notable real-world examples are “Killer Coke”, “Rotten Apple”, “The Real Toy Story”, “Just Stop It”, and “Make Amazon Pay”.
Key Takeaways:
Two examples of global corporate campaigns targeting and linking company vulnerability. [1:22]
Origins of a global campaign and common tactics intended to damage a company’s reputation. [5:54]
Global corporate campaign design and risk profiles. [8:48]
Unpacking Saul Alinsky’s Rules for Radicals. [10:38]
How companies can protect themselves from global corporate campaigns. [12:25]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
HR Policy Upcoming Events
What Kind of Company Are You Keeping?
Rules for Radicals by Saul Alinsky
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This episode of the “Wild Side” presents an overview of the international framework for employee relations. Why do the employment laws in every country differ slightly but cover the same issues? It is because the framework for international labour law comes from the International Labour Organization (ILO). 190 ILO Conventions guide national lawmakers. Initially intended for governments, ILO Conventions have found their way into employee relations work in international companies. Host Alan Wild explains how the international framework for employee relations developed and which organisations are behind it all.
Key Takeaways:
The ILO: Its primary functions and why it was established. [:57]
The eight fundamental Conventions and three areas of current focus of the ILO. [3:12]
How do ILO Conventions become adopted by companies? [6:49]
Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact [8:36]
Laws and directives of the EU and the European Court of Justice. [11:30]
OECD guidelines for multinational companies. [13:08]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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This episode of the “Wild Side” examines the key concepts that enable the international Employee Relations Specialist to tackle issues with empathy and success. Much of the day-to-day work involves jumping from country to country and dealing with multiple issues in different contexts. There are some ideas that make issues easier to understand and resolve. Is the country system power-based or rights-based? How mature are the employee relations? And, how culture matters and understanding risk play an important part in the role.
Key Takeaways:
Power and Rights: The three types of systems. [1:27]
Maturity and Immaturity: How established is the HR discipline in a country? [5:55]
Culture and its influence on bargaining styles. [8:17]
Risk: Internal and External. [10:02]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
HR Policy Upcoming Events
American Game Japanese Rules on YouTube
Getting to Si, Ja, Oui, and Da by Erin Neyer
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Alan Wild, author and narrator of A Walk on the Wild Side, is a leading expert and practitioner in global employee relations. Over a long career, Alan led global employee relations for Guinness, IBM, and Amazon; he was a member of the Governing Body of the International Labour Organization and later its CHRO; and has conducted consulting assignments in more than 100 countries and for many of the 400 CHRO members of the HR Policy Association.
The ”Wild Side” was first released in 2020 and became an immediate success with more than 6,000 regular listeners in 60 countries. After a three-year pause and having hung up his cleats with Amazon, Alan is re-launching this new and updated version of the podcast to cover the large and complex landscape of modern employee relations.
The first episode of the new series looks at how a role that barely existed 30 years ago has become an essential part of business success in the modern world. It discusses the business, political, legal, and social reasons that make the successful management of international employee relations such a key role today.
Key Takeaways:
The modern definition of employee relations. [2:01]
How the role of the global employee relations executive was born. [5:22]
Four massive shifts changed employee relations forever. [6:49]
What to expect in future episodes of A Walk on the Wild Side. [9:40]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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Welcome to the Wild Side, a podcast that discusses the world of modern employee relations ten minutes at a time. This podcast is the last in the series curriculum for managing employee relations in global and millennial times. In this episode, host Alan Wild discusses how companies structure and manage the functions of Employee Relations. Alan is the Global Affairs Director of the HR Policy Association, the leading voice of chief human resources offices today.
With the increase in offshoring to new parts of the world, the emergence of corporate campaigns and work of the UN, NGOs, and global trade unions, the European model of employee relations went global. More and more companies started to wonder how the role should be organized and how much they should spend on the function. We began to put together advice on structuring and managing the function, irrespective of budgets, or reporting requirements. These are the top tips we have crafted for the role of Employee Relations Professionals. Remember, the ability to pick up issues and resolve them before they escalate is the true name of the employee relations game today.
Key Takeaways:
Tip #1 — Visibility: Demonstrating the business impact of employee relations. [2:03] Tip #2 — Trust: Developing trust between HR, the Finance Department, and the country’s General Manager are essential. [4:24] Tip #3 — Annual Risk Profile: The ability to identify, explain, and quantify employee relations risk to the business in a credible way. [4:54] Tip #4 — Employee Relations Plan: Plans, priorities, and anticipation of fixing problems. [7:54] Tip #5 — Have an expert network. [8:51] Tip #6 — Be invested personally and keep abreast of current events and company developments. [10:53] Tip #7 — Have a plan based on people’s roles, needs, and expectations. [13:29] Tip #8 — Communications: Sharing information with traditional as well as non-traditional workers i.e. supply chain, and gig workers. [14:29] Tip #9 — Listen and respond to employees. [15:08] Tip #10 — Awareness: Dealing with emerging issues early, means offering professional support, not criticism, and blame. [16:04]Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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Welcome to the Wild Side, a podcast that discusses the world of modern employee relations ten minutes at a time. This podcast contains resources to help you be the best Employee Relations Specialist you can be. In this episode, host Alan Wild introduces guest host, Tom Hayes, who is an integral part of the knowledge base behind this series of Employee Relations related podcasts to explain how he maintains his expertise. Alan is the Global Affairs Director of the HR Policy Association, the leading voice of chief human resources offices today.
As an Employee Relations professional, how do you keep up to date with the vast amount of global information in the labor relations and trade union industry? With all the information available, how do you organize the data to make the best use of your time? If you have been in search of the best resources and would like to better organize your information gathering process this episode with Tom Hayes, an industry expert is a must-listen.
Key Takeaways:
PATCO: An event that changed the face of US Labor Relations forever. [2:08] A brief account of offshoring in the media. [3:54] Resources the experts use to stay current in matters regarding labor relations. [5:21] The time it takes to stay informed and organize the data is minimal. [11:36]Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
HR Policy Upcoming Events
@TomHayes on Twitter
BEERG Newsletter
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Welcome to the Wild Side, a podcast that discusses the world of modern employee relations ten minutes at a time. This podcast is about the future of supply chain management. In this episode, host Alan Wild discusses how changes in hard and soft law increase the importance of supply chain management for Employee Relations Professionals. Alan is the Global Affairs Director of the HR Policy Association, the leading voice of chief human resources offices today.
Supply Chain management today is a high-value item at the UN, the European Union, and many national governments. It's also increasingly important for those seeking to develop corporate campaigns. Ten years ago there were few laws and regulations requiring businesses to implement human rights due diligence processes and to report on human rights risk management. As global labor standards are universally adopted, national governments are embracing the Ruggie principles and passing new legislation that will focus on the global supply chain. As momentum grows for stronger government action and the introduction of mandatory measures to address business-related human rights impact, now is the time to recalibrate enterprise risk and give greater consideration to your supply chain.
Key Takeaways:
As the Clifford Chance report and Ruggie principles become widely adopted, the legal risk for companies shifts dramatically. [2:50] The commonalities and differences of national initiatives and public reporting requirements. [5:06] Why international companies should anticipate new legislation and mandatory measures regarding due diligence in global supply chains. [8:40] Five takeaways from the Clifford Chance report that businesses need to know. [10:19]Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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Welcome to the Wild Side, a podcast that discusses the world of modern employee relations ten minutes at a time. This podcast is a short yet detailed overview of employee relations in France. In this episode, host Alan Wild discusses the important issue of consultation and the way the employment law in France has been changing in recent years. Alan is the Global Affairs Director of the HR Policy Association, the leading voice of chief human resources offices today.
The French economy is diversified across all sectors but oriented towards service-based businesses which make up about 70% of GDP. The French government still has full or partial ownership of many large companies and maintains a strong presence in some sectors. In 1982 bucking the trend of other developed nations, President Mitterrand ruptured with capitalism and increased a socialist influence into French businesses. That said, France is one of the most difficult countries in the world for Employee Relations professionals. particularly when it comes to making changes in workforce shape and size. France has recently witnessed major reforms in employment law designed to add flexibility in what was a very restrictive environment.
Key Takeaways:
A brisk economic portrait. [1:55] Essential information for Employee Relations Specialists working in France. [3:21] How France differs from other countries with regard to company obligations. [4:59] Significant Labor Code reforms since 2015 and Macron’s influence. [6:48] French Trade Unions and collective bargaining agreements. [8:46] How French law underpins collective bargaining. [12:15] The CSE and the simplifications that followed. [14:02]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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Welcome to the Wild Side, a podcast that discusses the world of modern employee relations ten minutes at a time. This podcast is a short overview of employee relations in Germany. In this episode, host Alan Wild discusses the historical and cultural factors that influence Germany’s employee relations. Alan is the Global Affairs Director of the HR Policy Association, the leading voice of chief human resources offices today.
The Federal Republic of Germany is split into 16 states and is well-placed for international trade with nine national borders both to the East and to the West. It is considered Europe's industrial powerhouse with 25% of the country's 46 million workers producing about one-third of the GDP. And, two-thirds of Germany’s workforce is covered by collective bargaining agreements. Recent developments have led to deviations and flexibility in previously rigid bargaining agreements. Works Councils and Supervisory Boards are all about establishing and managing constructive relationships.
Let’s dive into the rarely replicated German employee relations framework.
Key Takeaways:
A brief history of Germany’s economy. [3:19] Why Germany is considered Europe’s industrial powerhouse. [5:33] Understanding Germany’s Works Councils and supervisory boards and why consensus is key. [6:32] Two-thirds of Germany’s workforce is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. [10:07] Identifying Germany’s trade unions. [12:55]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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Welcome to the Wild Side, a podcast that discusses the world of modern employee relations ten minutes at a time. This podcast is a country profile of Poland, using Poland as a broader proxy for much of Eastern and Central Europe. In this episode, host Alan Wild offers insights on Poland’s trade unions and growing economy. Alan is the Global Affairs Director of the HR Policy Association, the leading voice of chief human resources offices today.
Poland is the largest of the Central and Eastern European countries in the European Union. It has a population of 38.5 million people and a working population of 17.6 million. Poland's manufacturing sector is very competitive on a world scale. Large modern industrial sites have been born after the acquisition of old, state-owned companies and highly incentivized foreign direct investment from the US and Western Europe. Outside of manufacturing Poland continues to build a substantial IT sector around its capital city, Warsaw. Economically, Poland suffered more than most after 1990 yet has since recovered more spectacularly. Let’s look at the likely factors that led to Poland to have the largest economy in its region.
Key Takeaways:
A brief history of Poland. [4:07] Poland’s economic success is due to the flexibility and productivity of its employees. [5:55] When trade unions have the support of a high membership they are strong and influential. [6:42] Establishing a new trade union is simple but is it cause for concern? [7:30] Poland’s three major Trade Union Federations. [9:39] The polish system of restructuring is straightforward. [10:33] Summary for Employee Relations Specialists serving Eastern and Central Europe. [11:36]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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Welcome to the Wild Side, a podcast that discusses the world of modern employee relations ten minutes at a time. This podcast is about one of the most turbulent countries in the world in terms of the current Employee Labor Relations climate, Mexico. In this episode, host Alan Wild offers insight on the immediate and important decisions almost every company in Mexico needs to make. Alan is the Global Affairs Director of the HR Policy Association, the leading voice of chief human resources offices today.
In 2019, Mexico’s unique and long-standing version of trade union recognition and collective bargaining was disrupted. Understanding both what is happening today and what is at stake is key for companies seeking to make sound decisions and avoid pitfalls such as the most damaging strike the world has seen in recent times in the border city of Matamoros. It was organized by a lawyer on social networks and involved 90,000 workers in 90 companies. The strike secured a massive pay raise and led to the formation of a brand new industrial trade union in Mexico. Let’s look at the sweeping changes that will be implemented until 2024, the deep-rooted trade unions, and the old labor code in this interim country profile.
Key Takeaways:
Mexico’s old Labor Code: A Historical Summary. [3:35] What new Mexican laws hoped to accomplish. [5:49] The red, white, and new unions. [6:19] The Matamoros strike led to the 2032 Settlement Agreement. [8:10] Mexico’s Labor Code reform. [10:29] Three issues in Mexico companies need to get right. [12:19] Tips for an Employee Relations Specialist serving Mexico. [13:15]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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Welcome to the Wild Side, a podcast that discusses the world of modern employee relations ten minutes at a time. This podcast is about measuring employee engagement. In this episode, host Alan Wild offers insight on where the world of employee relations and employee engagement interface. Alan is the Global Affairs Director of the HR Policy Association, the leading voice of chief human resources offices today.
In the past 30 years, much has changed concerning employee voice. In the old days of labor relations, many companies saw trade unions and Shop stewards as a kind of industrial interpreter. As time passed, management began speaking directly with employees and employee attitude surveys emerged. Two streams of worker voice management began to emerge. One with union workforces and the other with non-union workforces. Labor Relations and Employee Relations roles emerged as two distinct disciplines. With the advent of technology and social networks, two worlds of employee listening and response came together, and the worlds of employee relations and employee engagement merged. Let’s focus on how, in these millennial times, we can use listening and responding tools to get ahead of the game.
Key Takeaways:
Thoughts on the annual IBM Employee Satisfaction Survey. [3:25] Defining employee engagement. [5:27] Tips for creating a census survey as part of a broader plan for listening and responding. [6:08] The use of technology for real-time reporting. [8:38] Measure engagement by administering frequent, short, pulse surveys. [9:30] Identify the employees whose posts get the most amplification. [10:58] Get ahead of collective claims or grievances by listening and responding as retailers do. [12:40]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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Welcome to the Wild Side, a podcast that discusses the world of modern employee relations ten minutes at a time. This podcast is one of the key issues that establish the best companies, in terms of employee relations, from the rest. In this episode, host Alan Wild speaks to identifying and managing employee relations risk. Alan is the Global Affairs Director of the HR Policy Association, the leading voice of chief human resources offices today.
What makes an exceptional employee relations person? The ability to assess resources and strategically move them to a company's risk centers. It's about managing what you have and how you build on it that matters. Exceptional employee relations people are at their very best when the worst happens. Whether that is in collective bargaining, strike action, a corporate campaign, or a trade union recognition management. And, we are often judged by our ability to resolve crises but the most exceptional amongst us are those that prevent crises from happening and are the most prepared to deal with them if and when they do. Let’s look at how we can get the respect, trust, and the ear of business leaders to get the funding we need.
Key Takeaways:
Enterprise employee relations risk mapping. [3:31] Mapping out a company’s global footprint. [5:36] Identifying a company's internal and external risks. [6:47] Commonalities of countries with high internal risk. [8:53] 10 current global events with the potential to put all companies at risk. [9:41]Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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Welcome to the Wild Side, a podcast that discusses the world of modern employee relations ten minutes at a time. This is a country-specific employee relations profile for the United States of America. In this episode, special guest Rick Warters discusses trade union representation and collective bargaining in the U.S. Rick runs the Employee Relations course at the University of Connecticut and is the brain trust behind this podcast series.
As part of Roosevelt’s New Deal, the National Labor Relations Act was born to address the inequality of power between workers and employers, it also attempted to eliminate obstructions to free-flowing commerce. This policy is still in place today. Several unique elements distinguish US Labor Relations including the concept of exclusive representation, the comprehensive collective bargaining agreement, negotiated limitations on the right to strike or lockout, and the resulting brinkmanship on contract expiration. Let’s look at how these differ from international conventions and the impact of time-sensitive collective bargaining agreements.
Key Takeaways:
The legislation that gave employees the right to organize and protected a company’s business flow. [1:50] How US policy differs from the United Nations conventions 87 and 98 and how US unions stand apart from other nation’s unions. [3:00] The influence unions have in US policymaking. [4:49] Employee voice is limited when an established union does not exist. [6:37] How collective bargaining agreements are handled in the US. [7:39] Unions have the strike, companies have the lockout. [9:06] Tips for Employee Relations Specialists when working with unions in the US. [11:08]
Resources:
HR Policy Association
Alan Wild on Linkedin
HR Policy Upcoming Events
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