Who speaks for whom at work: worker voice and social dialogue

Over the last few decades academic research has often neglected issues of power and influence concerning labour market institutions, employment regulation, models of collaborative partnership between workers, unions and employers, and systems for inclusion and wider stakeholder voice. Through a body of research involving international collaborators, Tony Dundon has provided evidence on new processes and forms of worker voice and social dialogue that can enhance decent work goals, expose labour market inequalities, and support collaborative employment partnerships.

The research was undertaken with policymakers, consultancies, employers, employer associations, trade unions, HR managers, workers, and shop steward and non-union employee representatives. First, it impacted employee voice mechanisms at workplace levels. Second, it has impacted employee information and consultation policy, including European Directive transposition issues at national and organisational levels. Third, it has impacted labour market reforms for enhanced collective bargaining and work futures. Finally, it has impacted policies on accessing apprenticeship skills and learning in Ireland.

In terms of people and organisations: workers, trainees/apprentices, trade unions, multinational. The research contributes new insights concerning corporate behaviours and how employer groups function as dominant actors with ‘power over’ others in the labour market corporations, labour market agencies. In
terms of mechanisms and practices: policy on employee engagement, equality and diversity, voice channels, and collective bargaining.