industrial relations

American  

noun

1. (used with a plural verb) the dealings or relations of an industrial concern with its employees, with labor in general, with the public, etc.

2. (used with a singular verb) the administration of such relations, especially to maintain goodwill for an industrial concern.

---

industrial relations British  

noun

1. (functioning as plural) those aspects of collective relations between management and workers' representatives which are normally covered by collective bargaining

2. (functioning as singular) the management of relations between the employers or managers of an enterprise and their employees

---

industrial relations Cultural  

1. Relations between management and labor unions or between management and individual workers. Sometimes called labor relations.

---

Etymology

Origin of industrial relations

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

An industrial relations showdown looms this week as Germany's powerful IG Metall union is seeking to gain control of the works council at US billionaire Elon Musk's Tesla plant outside Berlin.

From Barron's • Mar. 2, 2026

An independent industrial relations board will review the dispute over the next two days.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 16, 2025

The stand-out announcements were on public sector pay: a hoped-for end to scratchy industrial relations, strikes by junior doctors and disruption for the public.

From BBC • Jul. 29, 2024

“We will meet with EP Group next week and call for a complete reset in employee and industrial relations, the restoration of postal services and further commitments on the future of the company,” he said.

From Seattle Times • May 29, 2024

Second, it must contribute, wherever it is a factor, to such an adjustment of industrial relations as will command the voluntary support of all groups whose coöperation is necessary for the maintenance of industrial peace.

From The Settlement of Wage Disputes by Feis, Herbert