Ep:10 — International Trade Unions: Who They Are and What They Do
Release Date: 04/01/2024
Ep: 30 — Revision of the European Works Council Directive: Babies, Bathwater, and Golden Geese
A Walk On The Wild Side - Managing employee relations in global and millennial times ... 10 minutes at a time
For the specialists dealing with European Works Councils, this is for you. The European Works Council (EWC) 3.0 directive has been agreed upon by the Council of Ministers, European Commission, and Parliament. While this new text is less detrimental to businesses than initial proposals (which included penalties and injunctions against restructuring), it still necessitates negotiations for every existing EWC agreement. Crucially, pre-1996 EWC agreements will need to be replaced. This can be managed effectively with careful planning. Key Takeaways: Every EWC agreement in the...
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Ep: 29 — The Renewable Workforce
A Walk On The Wild Side - Managing employee relations in global and millennial times ... 10 minutes at a time
Current restructuring processes are wasteful and detrimental to employee engagement. As AI-driven productivity replaces offshoring, it’s time to stop restructuring and start remodelling. This is not about simply upgrading to "durable bags" as supermarkets did; it's about a more fundamental shift in how we value our employees. Listen in to learn more. Key Takeaways: Issues with the current workforce restructuring model. [2:57] A progressive workforce remodelling process better adapts to a company’s needs. [6:05] In modern management, old...
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Ep: 28 — OPTIMIZING EMPLOYEE RELATIONS PERFORMANCE BY MANAGING RISK
A Walk On The Wild Side - Managing employee relations in global and millennial times ... 10 minutes at a time
A question often asked, especially by those new to international Employee Relations, is how to manage massive global responsibilities—sometimes across 100+ countries—without adequate resources. Many have learned that simply complaining or begging for more headcount does not work. We have all been there and have the t-shirt to prove it. The most effective way to build a stronger team and secure the resources you need is to prove your worth to the business. I know it seems counterintuitive—that you will get more resources only after you've shown you can manage without them—but...
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Ep: 27 — WHY DON’T WE TREAT EMPLOYEE CONCERNS IN THE WAY WE TREAT OUR CUSTOMERS?
A Walk On The Wild Side - Managing employee relations in global and millennial times ... 10 minutes at a time
In this episode, Alan explores a straightforward question: Why do so many companies handle employee complaints so differently—and often less effectively—than customer complaints? He offers examples of this paradox and discusses how applying the same principles of excellent customer service to our internal employee relations could benefit us all. Key Takeaways: Three basics to managing Employee Relations effectively. [:33] When internal complaints escape the confines of Human Relations. [3:06] The media can create an ER crisis. [10:39] What to do...
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Ep: 26 — ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ER MANAGEMENT
A Walk On The Wild Side - Managing employee relations in global and millennial times ... 10 minutes at a time
This episode focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the effectiveness of global employee relations leadership. Alan explores AI's applications as a research tool, editorial aid, and sounding board, ultimately demonstrating its potential to improve work quality while underscoring the continued importance of human expertise. Key Takeaways: Asking AI the right questions. [1:57] AI is an essential productivity tool for Employee Relations Leaders. [3:52] AI as a deadline-friendly all-in-one assistant. [9:19] Resources: ...
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Ep: 25 — EMPLOYEE VOICE IN THE DIGITAL AGE: WILL TIK TOK AND SLACK REPLACE TRADE UNIONS?
A Walk On The Wild Side - Managing employee relations in global and millennial times ... 10 minutes at a time
Social media is a powerful tool for the issues that matter most to employees. Could these digital platforms be poised to replace trade unions as the primary voice of labor, particularly in the United States? While the U.S. system is often seen as dysfunctional, the entrenched "all or nothing" approach is favored by both unions (who wield significant power in their limited domains) and most employers (who benefit from roughly 90% of workplaces remaining union-free). In this episode, Alan provides strategies and best practices for effective social media management. Key Takeaways: ...
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Ep: 24 — THE OLDEST DIGITAL NOMAD ON THE BLOCK? — Important Considerations for Working, and Living Abroad
A Walk On The Wild Side - Managing employee relations in global and millennial times ... 10 minutes at a time
This episode of The Wild Side is a little different. About nine months ago, Alan embarked on an experiment to work from his dream location in Koh Samui Thailand. A month ago, he received his coveted Destination Thailand digital nomad visa. As he points out, this is not early retirement disguised as gainful employment. His “business as usual” move produces work from a tropical island instead of the English countryside. Alan shares the important factors necessary to work from an offshore destination, setting disciplines whilst living amongst tourists, and the cultural adaptations necessary...
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Ep:23 — YOU GET THE EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATIVES YOU DESERVE … IT’S TIME TO PREPARE FOR THE GERMAN WORKS COUNCIL ELECTIONS
A Walk On The Wild Side - Managing employee relations in global and millennial times ... 10 minutes at a time
Alan Wild explores the German national works council elections to be held early in 2026. The results of these elections will determine who represents employees in a company for the next four years. For those unhappy with the current situation, now is the time to take action. For those satisfied, now is the time to ensure continued stability. Company management should be actively involved in employee elections. The focus of Employee Relations Managers should be on the principals of the process. Key Takeaways: Statutory representation is achieved through rights-based or union-led...
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Ep:22 — Holding the Horses — Where AI Meets Organized Labour
A Walk On The Wild Side - Managing employee relations in global and millennial times ... 10 minutes at a time
Alan Wild explores the intersection of AI and organized labor, focusing on the challenges of workplace change and restructuring. German works councils are currently overwhelmed with AI technology proposals. AI's impact on gig workers, particularly delivery drivers, may lead to their reclassification as employees. While recent developments in American docks are noteworthy, the full story is more complex. Key Takeaways: Labour practices at odds with modern methods and technology. [1:33] Docker’s unions in the US restrict the use of technology and automation. [4:35] ...
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Ep:21 — MANAGING GLOBAL EMPLOYEE RELATIONS: TOP 10 STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS IN 2025 — 6-10
A Walk On The Wild Side - Managing employee relations in global and millennial times ... 10 minutes at a time
As the link between senior leaders and the global workforce, Global Employee Relations Managers play a crucial role. This final installment of a two-part series outlines ten essential strategies to help ER managers achieve the most important aspects of their roles, trust, and success. Consider these your 2025 resolutions for navigating the complexities of international employee relations in today's dynamic landscape. Alan Wild, author and podcast host, outlines strategies 6-10 for global employee relations managers to succeed in 2025, including building a global strategy, enhancing...
info_outlineWild Side Episode 10 explores international trade unions, their identity, and current priorities. Employee relations professionals often engage with them for expertise in European Works Councils or as targets of global corporate campaigns. These trade unions influence policy through the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and UN systems, primarily via ITUC, ETUC, UniGlobal, and IndustriALL. Their focus includes International Framework Agreements and capacity building for the movement.
Key Takeaways:
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What organisations make up the ILO, and what is their collective objective? [1:03]
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The ITUC is the global coordinating body of National Trade Union Federations. [3:34]
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The two most active and well-known Global Union Federations (GUFs) and their objectives. [5:02]
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International Framework Agreements and the conventions they commit to. [9:13]
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LabourStart.org is an extensive network and resource of trade union information. [12:17]
Resources:
awild@hrpolicy.org — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey