Multinationals and Unionism in Indonesia

This paper presents a critical analysis of the factors shaping the interaction between multinationals and trade unions in Indonesia, focusing on the recent period of democratization following the downfall of the Suharto regime. It has been suggested that union growth risks undermining Indonesia’s competitive advantages (cheap labour) and could encourage the exit of multinationals to cheaper competitors. In order to test this proposition, two case studies were conducted: one in the automotive industry and the other in the banking industry.The paper first provides an overview of multinational activity and FDI in Indonesia, and their interaction with a nascent union movement. This is followed by presenting the findings of interviews conducted at the multinational enterprises with managers and union officials; to provide empirical insights into the bargaining process. The final part of the paper provides a preliminary assessment of the impact of union behaviour on MNC profitability and competitiveness in Indonesia. In contrast to traditional views of unions as impeding MNC profitability and “encouraging” exit, the paper finds that unions and MNCs can engage in constructive partnerships, but that pressures and contradictions in the relationship remain

What now for new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer?

Centre for Brexit Studies Director Professor Alex de Ruyter has shared his thoughts and views around Coronavirus (COVID-19) and what will happen if Prime Minister Boris Johnson is no longer able to work throughout his stay in hospital

Brexit’s impact on West Midlands Transport Manufacturing revealed

The official findings and results of a major survey conducted by the Centre for Brexit Studies have been released following an event around Brexit’s impact on the automotive, rail and aerospace industries within the West Midlands, and wider UK

Brexit, the Bank of England and the Gig Economy: How not to interpret today’s labour market

News that the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously agreed to raise the base interest from 0.5% to 0.75% yesterday was not unexpected, but nevertheless raises eyebrows at a time when the economy remains fragile and Brexit uncertainty continues to cast a cloud over expectations on the economy going forward

We’ll Know in the Next Few Months If We Face a ‘Deal or No Deal’ Brexit

As many of us start reading through the detail in these papers we can start to lift the lid on what the government envisages are the biggest challenges presented by a no-deal scenario. Deal or no deal. As the UK braces itself for the rumoured return of Noel Edmonds’ box-opening gameshow, politicians are playing a slightly different guessing game. The government has finally taken the move to publish ‘no deal’ impact papers detailing the likely outcomes if Britain is to withdraw from the European Union with no agreement in place

COVID-19: Will the Brexit transition deadline be extended?

Centre for Brexit Studies Director Professor Alex de Ruyter has shared his thoughts and views on coronavirus (COVID-19) and the impact a further three-week lockdown extension could have on the economy, gig economy and self-employed workers

Annual Conference 2020 speakers announced

The Centre for Brexit Studies is delighted to announce the confirmed speakers and panel members for its third annual conference. The event, which is taking place on 23 September in Birmingham, will feature of a wide range of speakers from business, academia and politics.The conference, titled ‘Global Birmingham –Beyond Brexit’ will discuss the region post-Brexit, thanks to a variety of guest speakers, panel debates and insightful talks

Annual Conference 2020 agenda announced

The Centre for Brexit Studies is delighted to announce the confirmed agenda for its third annual conference. The event, which is taking place on 23 September in Birmingham, will feature of a wide range of speakers from business, academia and politics

The economic implications of COVID-19

Two leading industry experts have joined forces to discuss the economic implications of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.With the latest statistics showing that the number of people claiming unemployment benefit in the UK soared to 2.1 million in April, how safe are people’s jobs? Is the Government’s furlough scheme going to work? What will be the impact on gig-economy workers, and are we heading towards the worst recession on record

Birmingham: A Global Future

The Centre held its Annual Conference on Wednesday. First delayed and then moved online by the novel coronavirus, it was nevertheless a large and successful event with over 300 registered virtual attendees. Being able to do this was a remarkable feat: a tribute to the skill and resourcefulness of our communications officer Bethan and the technology that made it possible. The day’s discussion led to far much material to cover in a single blog post, so here I focus in particular detail on some of the points raised in our first panel