This book is an analysis of the relationship among collective bargaining (CB), firm competitiveness, and employment protection/creation in the United States (U.S.). Comparisons are also made between the U.S. situation and that in Europe. "Collective Bargaining in Context" (Richard N. Block, Peter Berg) places the US system of industrial relations in an international context. A literature review appears in the next two chapters. They are "Competitiveness and Employment Protection and Creation" (Richard N. Block), which examines the legal framework for CB, competitiveness, and employment, and "The Impact of Collective Bargaining on Competitiveness and Employment" (Dale Belman, Richard N. Block), which reviews the economics and industrial relations research on CB, competitiveness, and employment. "Case Study Methodology" (Richard N. Block) addresses the methodology used in the four case studies presented in these next four chapters: "Basic Aluminum: Alcoa-Rockdale, Texas, and United Steelworkers of America Local 4895" (Richard N. Block); "Auto Assembly: General Motors--Lansing, Michigan, and United Automobile Workers Local 652" (Richard N. Block, Peter Berg); "Automobile Parts: Lear Corporation--Elsie, Michigan, Division and United Automobile Workers Local 1660" (Michael L. Moore, Richard N. Block); and "Health Care: Sparrow Health System, Lansing, Michigan, and Professional Employees Council of Sparrow Hospital/Michigan Nurses Association" (Michael J. Polzin, Peter Berg). Each chapter contains some or all of these components: business description; facility/site history; history and background of CB; competitive pressures; CB, competitiveness, and employment protection/creation; and conclusions. "Overview and Conclusions" (Richard N. Block) states that, overall, the work demonstrates that CB, job protection/creation, and firm competitiveness are compatible in the U.S.; employees can enjoy the rights and protections inherent in collective bargaining; and shareholders and other firm stakeholders can prosper. (YLB)