Examining the traditionally predominant role of the state in shaping employment patterns and social policy in France, French Industrial Relations in the New World Economy analyzes the impact of globalization on French industrial relations.

Looking at the changing economic context of industrial relations, this important text places particular emphasis on the notion of a shift from a national, Fordist form of employment regulation, to an international, post-Fordist form - examining in detail the impact of this shift on the role of the French state and on the balance of power between employer and trade union organizations.

Including chapters on employer organizations, collective bargaining, the role of the state, and workplace representation, French Industrial Relations in the New World Economy explores this fascinating topic in detail and provides a detailed resource for postgraduates studying trade unions, industrial and employee relations, and industrial studies in general.

Introduction 1 Changing contexts: from Fordism to the 'new world economy' 2 The role of the state 3 Trade unions 4 Employer organisations: from the CNPF to MEDEF 5 The organisation of work: from an authoritarian to a democratic workplace? 6 Collective bargaining 7 Workplace representation 8 Conflict

Nick Parsons is Senior Lecturer in French in the School of European Studies at Cardiff University. He has published on French politics and French and British industrial relations and is currently working with an EU¿funded international research group on globalisation, employment and social security in Europe and China.