"During the last few years we have witnessed the negotiation of International Framework Agreements between Transnational Corporations (TNCs) and trade unions. German trade unions especially are involved. These agreements can contribute to a subsequent internationalisation of interest representation by trade unions and industrial relations respectively. It is a belated internationalisation as compared with the advanced stages of internationalisation of the economy, a growing importance of civil society organisations (NGOs) as advocates for workers' rights, and the spread of voluntary Corporate-Social-Responsibility- Initiatives. International Framework Agreements ensure the participation of trade unions in the process of building industrial relations within TNCs. However, they can also have negative implications for the existing system of industrial relations in Germany."

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