Abstract
The processes involved in, and arising from, strike action have received little attention from academic psychologists. In 2004, the UK Fire and Rescue Service was affected by a national strike, for only the second time in It's history. Data from a case study of a single firefighter involved in this strike were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA; Smith, 1996). Data was collected after the end of the strike, allowing both a retrospective reflection and a consideration of current impact. Three superordinate themes emerged: self identity, betrayal, and continuing effects. Themes were interwoven with a transitional sense of self affected by a growing sense of betrayal, with this continuing into the present. Findings suggest that strikes present an unfamiliar and unusual circumstance which facilitates a complex set of social interactions and relationships, both positive and negative. The environment ofthe strike enables a unique opportunity for personal reflection, which may have profound impact on constructions of the self. A plea is made for other psychologists to research strikes from the perspectives of those involved, rather than solely from an organisational perspective aimed at conflict resolution.
Published Version
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