Trust plays a critical role in fostering cooperation and productive relationships within industrial relations. In the context of employment, trust is fundamental to relationships between employers, unions, and employees, supporting collaboration, negotiation, and effective collective bargaining. The complex nature of trust arises from its roots in both contractual agreements and the power imbalances within the employer-employee relationship. This complexity is further heightened by differing values, expectations, and external factors such as public interests, regulatory demands, and media attention.
This analysis illuminates how trust operates across industrial relations, underpinning both the challenges and the potential for transformative, durable alliances in the workplace.
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