National Industrial Relations and Local Bargaining Power in the US and German Telecommunications Industries

Abstract

This article compares the process and outcomes of collective negotiations over the outsourcing of call center jobs in US and German telecommunications firms. In the USA, the Communication Workers of America relied on coalitions with politicians and other organizations to lead successful public campaigns; while in Germany, ver.di used coordinated bargaining with works councils to leverage their strong codetermination rights. Variation in access to resources between countries helps explain differences in the unions’ ability to negotiate strong collective agreements on outsourcing and to influence restructuring decisions.