RELATIONS between employers and unions have improved over the past year, with more firms willing to co-operate, according to a new survey.
Industrial action in the North West fell although ballots were held in four out of 10 companies, the poll showed.
Law firm DLA said relations between the two sides of industry were now "workable" rather than close, with further ballots for action expected by many unions.
More than 265 union recognition deals have been struck in the past 12 months, said the report, which predicted an increase in union membership.
TUC general secretary John Monks said the law firm's annual report had "for once almost got it right", adding: "It recognises that the climate has changed. The 'us and them' industrial relations has been replaced by partnership in many workplaces."
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