Reference no: EM133094477

OBSTACLES TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING ON WORK-LIFE BALANCE GIll KIRTON 

The following are obstacles that have been identified in the context of Spain. Discuss the extent to which these extend beyond one national context to other industrialised countries.

The vast majority of members of collective bargaining commissions are men.

Trade union culture at company level is rooted in traditional 'patriarchal' values.

Progress in achieving work-life balance is sometimes hindered by workers since the demand for improvements in this area by some workers - mainly women - leads to disputes with the rest of the workforce among whom the company has to redistribute the workload. This situation is particularly clear in workforces containing a high proportion of women.

Employers are reluctant to introduce work-life balance in bargaining because they feel it may disturb work organisation, working hours and the concept of working time itself.

Employers consider that the development of work- life balance through leave arrangements may lead to an increase in labour costs, particularly in predominantly female sectors such as retail.

The high proportion of workers on temporary contracts weakens the bargaining position of the trade unions. source: artiles, 2005.

Question

1. Reflect on whether the obstacles identified in Spain would apply equally to other contexts.