Accounting Information, Employees and Collective Bargaining

Social and political opinion in the United Kingdom has been moving in the direction of greater disclosure by companies of financial and economic information of interest to employees and trade union negotiators. This article examines the arguments which surround the issue. In particular, the role of information in the collective bargaining context is investigated in the light of a fairly simple bargaining model, The tactical and strategic impact of greater disclosure is indicated with the aid of the model. Finally the article highlights some implications for companies, trade unions and accountants.