ABSTRACT
This chapter and the next examine a series of six cases of responses by companies and unions to the pressures unleashed by the recession. This chapter outlines the rationale for case study selection; examines the first three cases, which involve the introduction of measures to minimize job losses in three major firms; and presents a series of conclusions on the issues that emerge. The next chapter examines three additional cases that involve other challenges associated with the recession. Each of the case study chapters presents conclusions on the set of cases examined.
