Towards the managerialization of trade unions? Recent trends in France and Germany

Abstract

This article focuses on recent changes in internal trade union organizational practices in France and Germany, drawing on interviews and internal union documents. Whereas the union renewal literature has emphasized the introduction of elements from the action repertoire of social movements into trade unions, this article finds that union officials and leaders are also transferring private sector managerial rhetoric and practices into trade unions. The extent and dynamics of this process termed ‘managerialization’ are discussed, as well as its effects on role definitions of union leaders, officials and members, comparing two trade unions: in France the Fédération Chimie Energie and in Germany the Vereinte Dienstleistungsgewerkschaft. The resulting tensions between trade unionism’s administrative and representative rationalities are highlighted.