Forms of collective bargaining in the clothing industry : a comparison between Malta, the U.K. and Germany

Abstract

This study analyses collective bargaining in the clothing industry in Malta and compares it with collective bargaining in the clothing industry in the UK and Germany. It attempts to analyse four important aspects of collective bargaining, namely: 1 The type of collective bargaining; 2. The contents of collective agreements; 3. The legal status of collective agreements; 4. The role of workplace bargaining within this industry. The aim of this study is to highlight the divergencies and convergencies between the three systems of collective bargaining and to make recommendations for a future policy in Malta inspired by the systems adopted in the UK and Germany. This study reports the reactions of the Unions and the employers to the changes in collective bargaining in the Maltese clothing industry which are proposed in this study. Finally, a brief outline of the likely effects that Malta's eventual entry in the Common Market will have on collective bargaining in the clothing industry is presented.