Collective labour law explored

The chapter demonstrates the value of empirical research in understanding the impact of collective labour law on key actors and in turn how they shape the statutory process and its outcomes. Research on the statutory trade union recognition procedure arising from the Employment Relations Act 1999, shows how an empirical approach, particularly one focussed on the workplace, can lead to a more nuanced understanding of labour law because it goes beyond analysis of legislation, legal doctrine and case law. 1 Such an approach highlights the interplay of structure (the legal and political framework and material conditions underpinning employment relations) and agency (the responses and behaviour of the actors) in a statutory model of collective representation. Concretely, we demonstrate how empirical research captures the fragility of worker support for unions consequent upon the fundamental imbalance of the employer — worker relationship.