Exploring the dynamics of industrial relations in US multinationals: evidence from the Republic of Ireland

While previous work has identified a shift in the host business system which facilitates multinational corporations in their quest to introduce non-union approaches, little or no qualitative data have been brought to bear on this issue. This article presents case-based evidence on the dynamics of this trend in Ireland, focusing specifically on management approaches to collective employee representation as well as providing an exposition of the patterns of trade union recognition and avoidance in evidence.