Shaping Global Industrial Relations: The Impact of International Framework Agreements (Advances in Labour Studies

Many multinational enterprises (MNEs) have adopted corporate codes of conduct that have social provisions, and increasingly sign international framework agreements (IFAs) with global unions representing workers by sector of activity. IFAs constitute the focus of this volume. Contrary to management-driven corporate codes of conduct – broadly described as corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices – IFAs are instruments negotiated with global unions. In addition to self- regulation of labour– management relations across the global value chains of MNEs, IFAs aim to promote compliance with International Labour Organization (ILO) core labour standards, often by direct reference to such standards. The ILO’s Industrial and Employment Relations Department aims to follow up on this project and volume not only by deepening its knowledge in this area, but also by mainstreaming the question of cross- border social dialogue and agreements into its future activities. If realized, these aims will be major steps towards strengthening the links between the various levels of the global workplace.