Partnership Under Pressure: How Does it Survive?

Management/union partnership is the right approach to employee relations according to many politicians, trade unionists and business people.

It is based on mutual trust and respect between the parties, accepting the legitimacy of the interests of the other. It is a problem-solving approach that seeks agreement without coercion. It requires employee involvement and for their voice to be heard.

Partnership is seen at work in a range of issues. Management benefits by employees accepting the organisation's business goals. Employees benefit through their employer tackling issues of importance to them, including: equal opportunities, reward, work/life balance, training, health and safety, and work organisation.