The purpose of this study is to try to answer the following questions: (1) is there an employers' syndicalism? (2) what influence do labour unions and public authorities have on employers' associations? (3) how effective is an employers' association? and (4) what are the limits of such an association?

The myth that employers are united in a movement hardly withstands the examination of the facts. Some enterprises in a market economy are ready to join employers' associations but such organizations have varying degrees of participation. The associations themselves do not always pursue the same path.

Dealing with the Quebec scene, this study brings out the cleavages which exist within the employers’ group.