Implementation of Global Framework Agreements

Over the past decade Global Union Federations have signed an increasing number of Global Framework Agreements, most of which – over 80 per cent – have been with European-based Transnational Corporations. But while Global Framework Agreements are slowly, but continually, increasing in numbers, the results of our empirical research reveal extensive deficits in their implementation. This article begins with a review of these implementation problems and challenges. Drawing on two exemplary case studies, we introduce our multi-organizational practice perspective to illuminate how the contents of Global Framework Agreements as negotiated are linked to implementation, conflict monitoring and resolution procedures. We conclude that there is a need for a systematic and integrated implementation procedure as a means of dealing with the complexity of the Global Framework Agreement process. Our proposal is built on three sets of practices – information dissemination and communication; training programmes; and operational measures – and encompasses both unilateral and joint policies and actions pursued by Global Union Federations and the management of Transnational Corporations.