Union deregulation in the 1980s meant that for all but a few large employers, trade unions became virtually irrelevant. Consequently, few of today's managers have any experience of dealing with unions. But things are set to change.

The Employment Relations Act 1999 contains new legislation on union recognition, dismissal for taking part in industrial action and discrimination for union involvement. As a result, unions will have a stronger role in many organisations. Employers and managers will need to acquire a new skill set to deal with an increasingly unionised workforce.

Practical, comprehensive and up-to-date, this briefing provides you with the background, knowledge and skills required to handle union relations smoothly and productively.

Contents include:

• Rights of union officials and members
• Trade union recognition
• Partnership or confrontation?
• Training managers to work with unions
• Collective bargaining
• The negotiation and consultation process
• The role of unions in specific cases