crisis. In its report on industrial relations in 2008, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Dublin) describes the first half of 2008 as continuous. Wage increases are still present in collective agreements, Member States bring more flexibility into their labor market. Then, after the crisis, the second half of 2008 is filled with anti-crisis programs, more restructurings, negotiations to reduce working time with no wage compensation or State subsidies. This report suggests that, in 2009, there will be a break with the recent development of industrial relations in Europe. (Ref. 090860)
From wage increases to wage cuts. Wage negotiations are a particularly good example of evolutions in 2008 regarding the international economic context.