Dynamic modeling of union-management relations with data from the French sector of a multinational company

We present results of the second stage of interdisciplinary research examining the complex process of labor-management (L-M) negotiating in general, and specifically in France. In the first stage, we developed a dynamic, multiplex network model of L-M stakeholders groups’ interactions. The model permits mapping the multiple interactions in time under different contextual conditions, enabling parties to explore scenarios of expected outcomes and to develop negotiation strategies. In the second stage, we estimate the model’s parameters for a specific organization: a major industrial company located in four European countries. We use in-depth interviews with key negotiators, survey data, company documents and participant observations to tailor the model to the French component of this organization. We generate anticipatory scenarios of the negotiations’ trajectories in time under various context assumptions. The negotiators can use the scenarios to consider contextual changes under their control in their organization to help parties converge to agreement.