1.4 SAU217 Pendekatan yang lebih luas kepada sistem hubungan industri (2)

Summary

The video script discusses the evolution of industrial relations in the global context, focusing on labor market changes in Western Europe and the United States since the 1980s. It highlights key transformations, including the rise of women in the workforce, increasing unemployment, changes in work structures, and government strategies in different countries like Japan, Germany, and the United States. The script also explores labor market dynamics in Malaysia, with emphasis on regulations, wages, and social factors, alongside a comparison of industrial relations systems across various nations, considering political, economic, and cultural influences.

Takeaways

• 😀 The second industrial relations system focuses on the latest developments in labor relations research, considering both bad labor markets and comparative approaches within a broader economic-political framework.
• 😀 The labor situation in Western Europe and the United States has drastically changed since the 1980s, with significant changes in gender participation, unemployment rates, technological changes, and job structure shifts.
• 😀 The rise of female participation in economic activities, the increase in unemployment due to economic redistribution between countries, and technological advancements are major developments in labor relations.
• 😀 Labor is perceived by both employers and employees as increasingly temporary, with job structures evolving and long-term employment becoming less common.
• 😀 Government strategies in countries like Japan, Germany, and Sweden include active intervention in the labor market to maintain economic development, while countries like the U.S. have opted for deregulated labor markets.
• 😀 Malaysia's labor market is characterized as ad-hoc and unstable, with wages often determined by regulations, social practices, and legal frameworks rather than a purely free market.
• 😀 The implementation of minimum wages, like Malaysia's national minimum wage of 1,200 MYR, and collective bargaining through unions, play significant roles in shaping wage structures.
• 😀 Sociological perspectives on labor markets emphasize how jobs are divided into 'good' and 'bad' jobs, with these classifications being influenced by social hierarchy, cognitive perceptions, and structural divisions.
• 😀 Market segmentation, such as dividing workers into skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled categories, as well as the recognition of professions like doctors and lawyers, further influences labor relations.
• 😀 Government intervention in the labor market is aimed at managing social and political impacts of unemployment, providing welfare during job loss, and supporting economic development through public spending and training programs.

Q & A

What is the focus of the industrial relations system discussed in the script?

The script focuses on two main approaches in industrial relations systems: the bad labor market approach and the comparative approach, considering broader political-economic frameworks, government roles, and economic changes.

How has labor market demand in Western Europe and the United States changed since the 1980s?

Since the 1980s, there have been significant changes, including increased participation of women in the workforce, rising unemployment due to economic restructuring, and technological changes that have shifted labor structures from manufacturing to service-oriented jobs.

What factors have influenced labor market conditions in Malaysia?

In Malaysia, the labor market is characterized by an ad-hoc and unstable structure, where wages and job conditions are influenced by regulations, social practices, and legal frameworks rather than being determined solely by free market forces.

What role does government intervention play in labor markets, according to the script?

The government plays a critical role in regulating the labor market through laws and policies, such as setting minimum wages, providing unemployment benefits, and implementing training programs to support economic stability and social welfare.

How do wage systems and market regulations affect the labor market in Malaysia?

In Malaysia, wages are affected by regulatory frameworks, such as minimum wage laws. Market forces alone do not determine wages; instead, they are shaped by government policies, employer strategies, and collective bargaining systems.

What is the significance of collective bargaining in the labor market?

Collective bargaining plays a significant role in shaping labor relations by reducing the ability of management to treat workers as replaceable commodities. It involves negotiating wages and conditions, often leading to improved terms for workers.

How do social and economic factors influence labor market outcomes?

Social and economic factors such as class, gender, and education level play a significant role in determining access to different types of work, with certain groups having more or less access to well-paying or secure jobs based on these factors.

What are the differences between labor markets in developed countries and developing countries?

In developed countries, labor markets are typically more regulated, with active government intervention to protect workers' rights, while in developing countries, labor markets may be less structured, with fewer protections and more reliance on informal or unstable employment.

What are some challenges in comparing industrial relations systems across countries?

Challenges include differences in national definitions and functions, such as how labor disputes are resolved (e.g., courts in Thailand versus industrial courts in Malaysia), as well as varying institutional frameworks, legal environments, and cultural practices.

What impact do multinational corporations (MNCs) have on global labor markets?

MNCs significantly impact global labor markets by influencing labor standards across borders. They can alter local labor market conditions, sometimes leading to higher standards of employment, but also contributing to the spread of practices that prioritize cost-cutting over worker welfare.