Analysing Internal Power Dynamics in Peak Unions: A Conceptual Framework

Abstract

Peak union bodies, organizations formed by trade unions acting collectively, have been part of the union landscape from the very earliest years of union organization. Yet, despite this long presence, peak unions have garnered relatively little academic and theoretical attention. Despite a growing scholarship on the role and activities of peak unions, analysis of their internal power dynamics remains limited. This article seeks to add to our theoretical understanding of peak unions by proposing a conceptual framework that focuses on peak union power through the original concepts of `organization power' and `collective movement power'.