Contemporary Employment Relations: a Critical Introduction offers an original, accessible, and critical approach to understanding employment relations. Based on up-to-date research studies, it considers recent developments in employment relations, defined as the way in which employment relationships are regulated, experienced, and contested. A thematic approach to the subject helps to demonstrate the contemporary relevance of employment relations, enabling students to develop an appropriate level of knowledge and understanding of this key area of economic, social, and political life. Among the topics covered by the book are: BL the implications of globalization for employment relations BL the role of the European Union BL the significance of 'family-friendly' and 'work-life balance' policies BL the nature of employment relations in non-union firms BL the dynamics of workplace partnership BL the impact of minimum wage and working time legislation BL the causes and effects of work intensification.