This research area focuses on the actors, processes and regulations that govern collective labour relations. The topics covered are mainly those related to:

• forms of worker representation and participation in the workplace;
• industrial and economic democracy;
• collective bargaining, at various levels;
• minimum wage and salaries;
• trade unions: history, models, organization, policies;
• political exchange and social conciliation;
• bilateralism and contractual welfare;
• the European and international dimension of trade union activity (international conventions and treaties; sectoral and inter-sectoral social dialogue; transnational group agreements; CAE);
• the effects of European policies on national systems of industrial relations.