Industrial relations and inequality: the many conditions of a crucial relationship

Abstract

This article develops an analytical framework for exploring the complex (and sometimes contradictory) relationship between industrial relations and inequality. It discusses whether, under what conditions and to what extent the often-made claim that industrial relations can contribute to reducing inequality is warranted, by focusing on the two dimensions of intra- and inter-class inequality. Following the main lines of the proposed analytical framework, the article then presents a selective review of the empirical literature and how the contributions in this issue can help to refine and integrate the proposed analytical framework. The conclusions present some reflections on how the role of industrial relations in addressing inequality can be enhanced.