The Puzzle of Trade Union Strength in Western Europe Since 1980
Published: 2010
Author(s) Name: John Kelly & Kerstin Hamann
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Abstract
Since the early 1980s unions across
the advanced capitalist world have
witnessed prolonged membership decline,
loss of bargaining power in a
globalizing context and neo-liberal
government policies, and significant
decline in strike rates. The recent recession
appears to have dealt a further
blow to unions. In their analysis
of trade union strength in Western
Europe the authors argue that whilst
the recent economic and political developments
have posed serious
threats to trade unions, these can also
be viewed as opportunities for their
revitalization. The re-emergence of
tripartite relations between governments,
unions and employers, the resurgence
of general strikes against
government policies and the capacity
to mobilize supporters in general
strikes are interprted as evidence to
the effect that some union movements
have recognized the existence of opportunities
in the midst of adversity.
Keywords : Recession blow to unions, Trade union strength in Western Europe
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