Ep:14 — Germany: Powerful Works Councils & Balanced Efforts

How has Mercedes found itself in a German lawsuit over its labor union practices in the United States? How did Japan's Panasonic find itself under investigation by US authorities regarding labor practices in Mexico? There are more; Amazon and Ikea are accused in Germany of poor labor practices in Bangladesh; Maersk stands accused in Denmark of abuses in Cameroon, Uber has been investigated by the Dutch contact point under the OECD Declaration and Armani is in trouble in Italy.   These and other issues have arisen in the last twelve months, causing consternation in  C-suites across the United States, Japan, the UK, and Denmark. Author and Podcast Host, Alan Wild explains this new, game-changing twist on an old game … and it is gaining traction fast.   Key Takeaways:   The name and shame era led to supply chain codes of conduct. [3:02]   The art of triangulation and hard law campaigns. [6:34]   The shift from soft law to hard law includes mandatory disclosures and compliance. [10:03]   USMCA’s Rapid Response Mechanism imposes trade sanctions on companies. [13:30] Resources:    HR Policy Association Alan Wild on Linkedin [email protected] HR Policy Upcoming Events  

This episode of the Wild Side podcast reveals the findings of the recent global survey conducted by HR Policy Global among employee relations leaders. It explores how the role of global employee relations has evolved into a pivotal executive function and examines the alignment of current skills with future success. It offers ten actionable insights to ensure your employee relations function remains adaptable and effective in the evolving global landscape.   Key Takeaways:   Characteristics of a global employee relations leader. [3:03]   The convergence of Employee Relations and Labor Relations. [5:40]   Employee relations leaders often intervene on priority issues. [6:42]   New challenges in the age of AI-driven employee management. [7:24]   10 actions that future-proof the function of an employee relations leader. [9:41] Resources:    HR Policy Association Alan Wild on Linkedin [email protected] — Request the 2024 HR Policy Survey HR Policy Upcoming Events  

This episode of the Wild Side podcast is a national profile of Poland. The title tells the story of Poland since 1989 and looks at how a country in economic crisis in the 1990s turned into one of Europe’s success models and did so on its own terms. When people talk about employee relations in Europe, they often mention works councils, powerful unions with political clout, and sectoral bargaining. Poland is distinctly different, and this episode asks how, why, and how to succeed in employee relations in the country.   Key Takeaways:   Poland’s economic and demographic data since WW2. [2:59]   Poland’s history. [4:47]   Employee Relations in Poland. [7:11]   Trade unions and works councils in Poland. [10:09]   Restructuring in Poland is a simple process. [11:10]   Resources:    HR Policy Association Alan Wild on Linkedin [email protected] — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey HR Policy Upcoming Events

In this episode of the Wild Side podcast we look at the merits of sectoral collective bargaining, how the Global Employee Relations Leader should view sectoral deals in the countries they cover, and the questions they should be asking when faced with mandatory wage awards. Bargaining at the multi-company level, often supported by legislative extensions of the outcomes to all employees, has long been a feature of Western European and South American employee relations. The system came under pressure during the 2007-2008 financial crisis when steps were taken to maintain the system by allowing companies in difficulty to derogate from sectoral agreements they couldn't afford.   Key Takeaways:   How to identify power-based and rights-based countries. [2:07]   Understanding erga omnes extension provisions of OECD countries. [4:32]   Nordic countries' agreements are not extended by law. [6:42]   Germany’s dual system of employee relations. [8:58]   Sectoral collective bargaining agreements in Latin America and the United States. [12:13]   Resources:    HR Policy Association Alan Wild on Linkedin [email protected] — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey HR Policy Upcoming Events

This episode of the Wild Side podcast is a whistle-stop tour of Germany designed to give you enough knowledge to ask the right questions of your German colleagues. Germany is the world's most successful exporting nation due to domestic efficiency likely due to its co-determination rights, sectoral collective bargaining system, and the fact that works councils have existed there since 1919. Today, German companies employ true employee relations experts, and understanding employee relations is a right of passage for every German HR leader and most line managers, and they, by and large, do it well.   Key Takeaways:   In 1919, German employers were in favor of Works Councils. [3:08]   An economic, political, and social profile of Germany. [4:26]   The vital role of works councils and supervisory boards in Germany. [7:41]   How German employer-employee relationships differ from other EU nations. [9:55]   Germany’s sectoral collective bargaining system. [12:25]   Resources:    HR Policy Association Alan Wild on Linkedin [email protected] — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey HR Policy Upcoming Events

This episode of the Wild Side podcast focuses on where the next major productivity gains of multinational corporations will come from. Over the last 30 years, major productivity surges have come from challenging the power of organized labor, outsourcing non-core activities, and the wholesale offshoring of manufacturing and service provision abroad. The demand for companies to produce year-over-year productivity gains continues at the same time as operating costs have increased in offshore destinations. As a result, companies are taking cost-cutting initiatives in countries that have previously only experienced growth and are replacing people with technology at an increasing pace at home. This brings new challenges into old markets and old challenges into new markets.   Key Takeaways:   Two approaches that forever changed employee relations. [2:38]   The advent of the International Employee Relations Specialist. [4:15]   Productivity challenges of multinational companies. [5:05]   Eight Challenges of the Employee Relations Specialist. [7:54] Resources:    HR Policy Association Alan Wild on Linkedin [email protected] — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey HR Policy Upcoming Events  

This episode of the Wild Side podcast delves into the distinctive nuances of Japan and its unique approach to managing employee relations. With an astonishing 98% ethnic Japanese population, Japan's management landscape is intricate. Despite being an economic miracle in the post-World War II era, Japan has faced hurdles over the last three decades. Host Alan Wild explores the challenges of performance management and sheds light on the persisting gender equality challenges and the unique collective bargaining system. Discover how Japan's influential keiretsu, rooted in Shogun history, continues to wield global significance amid the country's evolving economic trajectory.   Key Takeaways:   Exploring intrinsic business culture in Japan. [2:14]   Economic and demographic data of Japan. [5:22]   Japan’s unique employment relationship promise, trade unions, and collective bargaining structure. [7:23]   Key issues for employee relation professionals are working hours and performance management. [12:35] Resources:    HR Policy Association Alan Wild on Linkedin [email protected] — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey HR Policy Upcoming Events

This is the first of two Wild Side podcasts addressing the impact of social networks on employee relations. In this episode, Host Alan Wild suggests that current internal grievance procedures are not fit for purpose in a world where employees have become used to rating their experiences in real-time using leading-edge technology. It suggests that improvements must be made in company processes but concludes they will never compete with retail and hospitality practices. The answer is to get ahead of the game by continually listening to employee voice, and predicting and addressing issues before complaints and grievances are made.   Key Takeaways:    Examples of when internal company grievances play out in the public domain. [1:40]   The new world of social grievances in the US. [4:21]   The history of traditional grievance procedures and how they are handled within an organization. [6:49]   Socially-driven grievances put the employee in control. [8:57]   Ten tips for mitigating the risk of employee complaints. [12:20]   Resources:    HR Policy Association Alan Wild on Linkedin [email protected] — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey HR Policy Upcoming Events  

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

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