International framework agreements as a form of transnational labour relations

Abstract

This qualitative research paper examines the emergence and main features of International Framework Agreements (IFAs) as a form of transnational labour relations. IFAs originated in the 1980s and proliferated after 2000. They aim to secure core labour rights across multinational corporations global supply chains. Globalisation changed the world of work, and, as a result, there is a call to look beyond national borders with reference to labour relations. Transnational corporations were the primary movers of mobility, but since then finance, people, and ideas joined the world of flows, introducing the new arena of transnational labour relations. The purpose of this research was primarily to determine what transnational labour relations are, and to determine whether IFAs form part of this transnational labour relations system. By conducting a document analysis and doing a literature review, the researcher analysed the contents of various articles, and assessed the substantive and procedural aspects of some IFAs concluded before 2008. Finally, key issues surrounding IFAs, such as the scope of agreements, trade union capacity, and global supply chains, are discussed in the context of international labour s campaigning, organising, and negotiation activities. Based on various features of international trade union activity, such as world company councils, codes of conduct, and international social dialogue, IFAs constitute an important and innovative tool in transnational labour relations.