Collective Bargaining under Duress

This book examines the state of labor negotiations in various industries, focusing on the challenges unions face in Collective Bargaining under Duress.

In Collective Bargaining under Duress, the authors explore the evolving landscape of collective bargaining across eight distinct industries, shedding light on the challenges faced in both the private and public sectors. The backdrop of the Great Recession, which began in 2007, serves as a critical context for understanding these struggles. With high unemployment rates and significant economic turmoil, the labor movement has had to navigate a complex environment characterized by declining union membership and a notable lack of effective organizing strategies.

The contributors provide a comprehensive analysis of how collective bargaining has been pressured by aggressive employer tactics and changing economic realities. Unions, facing increased demands for concessions without reciprocation, have found it increasingly difficult to secure viable collective agreements. The volume documents the common struggles experienced by labor organizations, including the fight to protect hard-won gains and the efforts to establish new organizing initiatives amid daunting opposition.

Collective Bargaining under Duress not only highlights the contemporary challenges of labor relations but also offers insights from a diverse group of contributors, including scholars from prestigious universities. Their collective expertise provides a nuanced understanding of the current state of labor negotiations and the ongoing efforts to advocate for workers' rights in an ever-changing economic landscape.