Future Of Trade Unions Research Articles

The Past, Present, and Future of Trade Unions in Southern Africa

The Past, Present, and Future of Trade Unions in Southern Africa

The Future of Social Dialogue in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

The survival of social dialogue depends on the extent of the social changes, being conditioned by the maintenance of the labour relations and by the models of representation of trade union type. Uncertainties regarding the future of work are automatically transformed into uncertainties regarding the future of trade unionism and social dialogue. Work is a type of social relationship that has significantly contributed to who we are. We can assume that as long as humanity lasts, work will exist (not necessarily with its present significance). We consider that the fate of social dialogue is linked to the future of trade unionism. Unions try to defend a model of balance needed within a specific type of social relations called labour relations. In order for the unions to have chances of survival (and, together with them, the social dialogue as well) these must embrace change, orientating it in the directions appropriate to their purpose. We use the phrase cyber-unionism because the main recommended way is the involvement of the unions in the use and development of AI, respectively of the new technologies and of the specific research. The overall solution: a reform of trade unionism based on a new ideology and the increase of power as a result of the use of new technologies. The scenarios proposed in this article go beyond an obvious limit: they explore the possibilities of evolution of the society using possible solutions in order to meet our current goals.

The making and breaking of solidarity between unwaged and waged workers in the UK

ABSTRACTThis article explores in what way solidarity relationships are made and unmade between waged and un-waged workers in the UK. It thereby feeds into the broader discussion on the decline and future of trade unionism and new ways of organizing struggle. In particular, it engages with the literature on community unionism. Methodologically it draws on Participatory Action Research undertaken between 2013 and 2017 with 12 unwaged workers’ groups organizing outside of established trade unions. Conceptually the article challenges understandings of solidarity based on self-interest by emphasising its relational complexity. It argues for a concept of workers’ solidarity that is based on a broadened understanding of work but which at the same time goes beyond a common identity by paying attention to power-discrepancies and current inequalities. Through such a lens, solidarity is created through affective bonds and is based on a shared anger about injustice and a common desire for transformation.

An American Solution to an Irish Problem: A Consideration of the Material Conditions that Shape the Architecture of Union Organizing

New models of union organizing have become an important instrument of union growth and renewal. We examine the transfer of US-developed organizing practices to Ireland. We enquire whether the practical experiences of SIPTU can be considered successful. In particular, we focus on the question: in what way is the architecture of union organizing shaped by the material conditions that affect workers’ power? We look at three campaigns across three low-wage sectors (hotels, red meat processing and contract cleaning). The campaigns share a number of common properties, but differ in respect of the power resources available to employees and the shape of their outcomes. Using a most similar systems comparative research design, we identify a variety of causes which help explain the success and shape of the different organizing campaigns. Finally, we make a number of arguments in respect of how our findings link to debates about the future of trade unionism.

The challenges and future of trade unionism in Algeria: a lost cause?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the realities of Algerian employee relations and the challenges autonomous trade unionists encounter in their activities, which are normally far removed from the eyes of the international community. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted with Algerian autonomous trade union leaders, union members and non-members. The collected data were analysed using a thematic approach. Findings – The interview results brought into relief the challenges of Algerian trade unionism with the following four themes: first, scepticism towards the only government-affiliated trade union in Algeria; second, the relationship between autonomous unions and the government; third, strike actions and intimidation/harassment; and fourth, views of non-trade unionists and the future of Algerian trade unionism. Research limitations/implications – The sensitivity of the topic and widespread fear limited the number of interviewees and the length of interviews. Social implications – This paper provides recent empirical evidence reflecting the contemporary nature of employee relations in Algeria, and its discussions consider the prerequisites for a more effective protection of workers’ rights in Algeria. Originality/value – This study addresses the lack of examination of trade union activities in North Africa and in Algeria in particular. Whereas studies on employment relations in emerging economies have been conducted mainly at the macro level, this study makes important contributions by providing a first micro-level insight into the realities of trade unionism in Algeria through giving voice to those who struggle daily to protect workers’ rights.

The past and future of trade unionism

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to offer a broad practitioner’s overview of recent trade union history in the UK, and to investigate organised labour’s prospects in the decades ahead.Design/methodology/approach– The paper is based on a review of relevant literature and trade union documentation from the period 1964 to 2014.Findings– This paper concludes that the past 50 years has been a period of change and turbulence for the movement, and suggests that this is likely to remain the case in the decades to come. Although external political and economic factors will have a significant bearing on unions’ prospects, the paper argues that unions remain powerful agents of change in their own right and that a revival of organised labour is not beyond question.Originality/value– The paper is written with unique practitioner insight from the UK’s trade union centre.

The future of trade unions in Croatia – various stakeholders’ perspectives

This article explores different stakeholders’ perceptions of the future of trade unions in Croatia. Findings reveal that respondents (managers, HR experts, trade union officials, government representatives and employees) are not optimistic about the future of trade unions in Croatia, agreeing that they will face many obstacles in the near future, such as a lack of consensus between the five trade union federations, a lack of agreement among the unions within a federation, and further union disintegration. However, survey respondents believe that there are many strategies capable of revitalizing the union movement in Croatia, including networking, ‘organizing unionism’ and union modernization.

Understanding union power: resources and capabilities for renewing union capacity

Power is at the core of current debates over the future of trade unionism. This article provides a framework to assess the power resources and strategic capabilities central to union capacity building. We identify four key power resources: internal solidarity; network embeddedness; narrative resources that frame understandings and union actions; and infrastructural resources (material, human, processes, policies and programmes). Resources alone are not enough; unions must also be capable of using them. We identify four strategic capabilities: intermediating between contending interests to foster collaborative action and to activate networks; framing; articulating actions over time and space; and learning. Much experimentation and research on the interactions between these resources and capabilities in particular contexts is required to advance our understanding of the renewal of union power.

Partnership and the Future of Trade Unions in the UK

An innovatory approach to the reform of workplace industrial relations in the UK, often labelled `partnership', has been advocated by many as the most likely means of reversing private sector trade union decline. The article analyses the implications and meanings of the approach for UK trade unions and assesses the arguments of supporters and critics. Pointing to the central importance of legislative intervention, the article suggests that while an opportunity for radical change may be available, there is no guarantee that it will be seized.

Redefining Public Sector Unionism: UNISON and the Future of Trade Unions

Redefining Public Sector Unionism: UNISON and the Future of Trade Unions

Book reviews

Magnus Sverke (ed.), The Future of Trade Unionism: International Perspectives on Emerging Union StructuresMichael Costa and Mark Hearn (eds), Reforming Australia’s Unions: Insights from Southland MagazineKeith Grint, Management: A Sociological IntroductionJ. Storey, P. Edwards and K. SissonManagers in the Making: Careers, Development and Control in Corporate Britain

Round table discussion on the future of trade unions

Round table discussion on the future of trade unions

‘Looking Forward’: A New Industrial Relations for Australia

Abstract This paper is based on the presentation by the Federal Minister for Industrial Relations at the ACTU Congress. It looks at the achievements of the Accord, as seen by the Federal Government. It moves on to consider the wider picture, especially the challenge of restructuring and technological change. Finally, it deals with the current debate concerning the future of trade unionism.

Managers of Discontent: Trade Union Officers and Industrial Relations Managers.

In today's political climate the status and future of the trade unions are subjects of particular interest. Yet apart from national leaders of major unions little is known about full-time trade union officers. In Managers of Discontent Diane Watson draws on a rich fund of material, based on extensive interviews and observation, to examine the role of trade union officers, comparing them with their managerial counterparts in three industrial sectors. Her lively and interesting interview material, by allowing the people studied to speak for themselves, raises a series of challenging questions about the future of trade unions.

State Control and the Labor Productivity Crisis: The Egyptian Textile Industry at Work

Previous articleNext article No AccessState Control and the Labor Productivity Crisis: The Egyptian Textile Industry at WorkJohn S. Henley, and Mohamed M. EreishaJohn S. Henley Search for more articles by this author , and Mohamed M. Ereisha Search for more articles by this author PDFPDF PLUS Add to favoritesDownload CitationTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints Share onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail SectionsMoreDetailsFiguresReferencesCited by Economic Development and Cultural Change Volume 35, Number 3Apr., 1987 Article DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1086/451601 Views: 7Total views on this site Citations: 4Citations are reported from Crossref Copyright 1987 The University of ChicagoPDF download Crossref reports the following articles citing this article:Ian Kingsbury Making sense of low private returns in MENA: A human capital approach, International Journal of Educational Development 61 (Jul 2018): 173–183.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2018.01.001John Child Changes in the structure and prediction of earnings in Chinese state enterprises during the economic reform, The International Journal of Human Resource Management 6, no.11 (Feb 1995): 1–30.https://doi.org/10.1080/09585199500000001John S. Henley African Employment Relationships and the Future of Trade Unions, British Journal of Industrial Relations 27, no.33 (Nov 1989): 295–309.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8543.1989.tb00341.xJohn S. Henley, Mohamed M. Ereisha State Ownership and the Problem of the Work Incentive: An Egyptian Case Study, Work, Employment and Society 3, no.11 (Jun 2016): 65–87.https://doi.org/10.1177/0950017089003001005

The Future of Trade Unionism

The Future of Trade Unionism

The Future of Trade-Unionism and Capitalism in a Democracy.Charles W. Eliot

<i>The Future of Trade-Unionism and Capitalism in a Democracy.</i>Charles W. Eliot