Documents Neumann, László 21 results

"This article deals with the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on transformation processes in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Our specific interest is in the effects of FDI on the organisation of work and labour relations at the enterprise level; in a more general sense we are concerned with the contribution of FDI to the creation of the microeconomic foundation essential to functioning market economies. We hold that there is a discernible process of selective harmonisation taking place between outside influences and existing domestic factors. In this context we postulate that the importance of FDI is further enhanced by influencing a broad array of societal transformation processes beyond the enterprise itself, thus contributing to a process which could develop into what we have labelled a European-style environment. Admittedly, the outcome can as yet only be rudimentarily defined, especially since a European-style environment, as a point of reference, is itself currently undergoing continuous change. But we hypothesise that it will be a process which reflects to varying degrees both the endogenous and exogenous sources of its making."

"This article examines the influence of labour market factors on public authorities' decisions to outsource public services in five countries. The dominant focus in the outsourcing literature is on a narrow range of factors: public–private gaps in pay, union membership and collective bargaining coverage. We find such differences to be variable, and develop a more encompassing perspective. This includes consideration of labour market rules that establish wage floors and employment protection (especially for outsourced workers) and the possible differentiation of legal status between public and private employees. Our case studies from local government in five countries highlight a set of country-specific interconnections between labour market factors and outsourcing. These lead to variations in both managers' and unions' approaches towards outsourcing and in outcomes for pay and working conditions. We call for a strengthening of the inclusiveness of industrial relations structures to combat problems of workforce fragmentation caused by outsourcing."

"Hungarian trade unions face both the direct consequences of economic downturn and the political challenges that are implied by the deterioration in employees' and unions' bargaining positions with regard to employers. This article presents the political responses of both militant and moderate trade unions in detail. Compromises in Labour Code legislation and the creation of a new top-level negotiation forum are signs of a moderate union success."

"The Hungarian Labour Market Yearbook series was launched 14 years ago by the Institute of Economics of the Hungarian Academy of Science with support from the National Employment Foundation (OFA). The yearbook presents the main characteristics of Hungarian employment policy and each year features an in-depth analysis of a topical issue. The current volume examines the characteristics of public sector employment. From the outset, the editorial board has striven to bring relevant and usable information on trends in the Hungarian labour market, the legislative and institutional background of employment policy, and up-to-date findings from Hungarian and international research to policy makers, civil servants, government officials, higher education and research institutions, and the press and electronic media. The research published in the yearbook series would also provide a good source of knowledge for higher education on the topics of labour economics and human resources management. The yearbook presents the main characteristics and trends of the Hungarian labour market in an international comparison using available statistical information, conceptual research and empirical analysis in a clearly structured and easily accessible format."

"Salaries of public sector employees have been the number one target of austerity measures applied by successive Hungarian governments since 2006, and trade unions have found it difficult to influence government policies. Until 2008 the outcomes of centralized quasi-bargaining somewhat mitigated the harsh measures, but later governments, especially the right-wing one in place since 2010, abandoned such negotiations, implementing labour law reforms that weakened trade union bargaining power and concluding selective agreements solely with representatives of certain strong groups of employees. Social dialogue institutions have become especially weak at sectoral and municipal levels. Though decentralized collective bargaining is common in larger private sector companies, and though the legal regulation is similar in state-/municipality-owned companies, genuine collective bargaining within the latter is very rare. The article presents two case studies (on geriatric care and public transport) highlighting current developments and their impacts on employment relations."

"The joint stock-company General Motors (GM), with its headquarters in Detroit, is the world's largest automotive group, with nearly 9.2 million vehicles sold around the world in 2005. This case study is based on interviews undertaken with national delegates of the General Motors EWC/GME European Employee Forum (EEF) and with local trade union representatives in Poland and Hungary, and, in addition, with an EWC deputy member from Poland. The interviews were carried out between February and July 2006. The EWC, which is known as GME European Employee Forum (EEF), was established by a voluntary agreement in 1996."