An introduction to industrial relations and employment relationships which transcends specific national contexts. Throughout, issues of industrial relations are seen within a broad framework of the relationship between governments, markets and organizations. Among the issues explored are: the range of theoretical approaches to analyzing industrial and employment relations; the place of interest groups and organized interests, including both employers' organizations and trade unions, in the industrial relations system; the changing role of governments in industrial relations and the differing position of governments in individual nations; and the process of bargaining, the differences between collective regulation and other forms of management in workplace relations and the growth of the flexibility. Contributors indicate where national systems of industrial and employment relations differ, and where they share common ground. Three key elements, time organization, wages and skills are shown at work in the automobile industry, banking and the retail sector as illustrations of changes over time.