What’s the Problem?

2020 ◽  
pp. 5-26
Author(s):  
Bob Smale
Keyword(s):  
Social Identity ◽  
Trade Unions ◽  
Identity Theory ◽  
Industrial Relations ◽  
Public Domain ◽  
Systematic Observation ◽  
The Public ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Categorization Theory ◽  
Marketing Social

This chapter asks why it is important to understand union identities and starts from the position that unions, as with other organisations, project distinct identities in the public domain. It then asks what is wrong with existing theoretical approaches, recognising that earlier writers either adopt some form of categorisation or more flexible frameworks. It explores the application of organisational identity theories to the understanding of union identities and the significance of niche to trade unions. It explains how niche union identity and niche unionism can be understood through systematic observation and analysis of observable characteristics and identification of the sources of union identity. It recognises the very limited consideration of niche in industrial relations literature and to better understand the concept explores theories drawn from marketing, social identity theories, self-categorization theory and identity theory.

scholarly journals Trade Union Practices in the EU and Latvia: Experience for Eastern Partnership Countries

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-118
Author(s):  
Sergejs Stacenko ◽  
Biruta Sloka
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Trade Union ◽  
Trade Unions ◽  
Industrial Relations ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Eastern Partnership ◽  
The Public ◽  
Social Dialogue ◽  
Eastern Partnership Countries ◽  
The Eu

AbstractThe article will show major dimensions in the experience of EU Member States that could be shared with the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries. The framework of the study is the EU concept of trade unions in social dialogue and social partnership in the public sector. This study outlines the concept of social dialogue as a core element of industrial relations and will focus on industrial relations specifically in the public sector. The authors have elaborated the approach to industrial relations and social dialogue taking into account comparative approach to definitions provided by international institutions such as ILO and OECD, as well as institutions in the EU and Latvia. Latvia is also a case study for Eastern Partnership countries as these countries and their trade unions are in a transition period from socialist structures to structures that possess liberal economies. Trade unions in these countries are members of the International Trade Union Confederation. The major transformation that trade unions underwent from being part of the socialist system and becoming an independent institution since Latvia regained independence in 1991 has been studied. The paper discusses the current developments related to the position of Latvian Free Trade Union Federation in the system of decision-making process related to the public administration management. Finally, the prospective role of trade unions in the EU and in Latvia is analysed and possible revitalisation of trade union is discussed. This approach could be applied to the Eastern Partners of the EU.

Democratic Rationales for Pre-Strike Ballots

2020 ◽  
pp. 189-213
Author(s):  
Breen Creighton ◽  
Catrina Denvir ◽  
Richard Johnstone ◽  
Shae McCrystal ◽  
Alice Orchiston
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Public Interest ◽  
Trade Unions ◽  
Industrial Relations ◽  
Central Issue ◽  
Legal Requirements ◽  
The Public ◽  
Industrial Action ◽  
Democratic Rights

Chapter 7 interrogates the central issue in the book—the extent to which pre-strike ballot requirements give effect to the democratic rights of individual workers and the public interest in ensuring that the exercise of strike action is based on democratic decision-making. It argues that pre-strike ballot requirements are imposed on trade unions in a very different context when compared with other forms of political or industrial contests. The chapter analyses unions’ democratic processes in three interrelated, but different, key decisions in the process to take strike action under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth): (i) the decision to apply for an order for a pre-strike ballot to be held; (ii) the decision to approve proposed industrial action in a pre-strike ballot; and (iii) the decision to take approved industrial action after such action has been approved in a pre-strike ballot. Each of these decisions occurs within the context of the legal and industrial relations framework, and the democratic processes involved are inevitably shaped by those frameworks. The evidence presented in this chapter suggests that the first and third decisions are generally conducted in a manner that allows for participatory democratic processes. However, when union members vote in a pre-strike ballot, there is little evidence of the kinds of practices that typically characterize a participatory democratic model. Instead, union engagement with members is focused on educating them about the legal requirements and the consequences of abstention or a no vote in associated bargaining, rather than on the arguments for and against the proposed industrial action.

The Challenge of Industrial Relations: Trade Unions, Management, and the Public Interest.

ILR Review ◽  
1948 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 535
Author(s):  
Paul A. Samuelson ◽  
Sumner H. Slichter
Keyword(s):  
Public Interest ◽  
Trade Unions ◽  
Industrial Relations ◽  
The Public

scholarly journals The Evolution of Industrial Democracy in a Small-Island Economy, Mauritius

2014 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
pp. 39-47
Author(s):  
Nirmal Kumar Betchoo
Keyword(s):  
Trade Unions ◽  
Industrial Relations ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Small Island ◽  
Employee Relations ◽  
Industrial Democracy ◽  
Employment Relations ◽  
The Public ◽  
Employee Protection ◽  
The Indian Ocean

This research work concerns an evaluation of the Employment Relations Act 2008, ERA 2008, from its inception in 2008 up to the present date. Considered as a major revolution in industrial relations, the legislation has met with mitigated results. Firstly, trade unions have contested the legislation in terms of loopholes and inadequacies concerning employee protection. Secondly, the public including people at work are not fully knowledgeable of the legislation because of its complexities and numerous issues that are addressed but not looked into. The assessment of the ERA is seen from the perspectives of employee relations whereby it addresses better the pluralistic perspective since Mauritius, a small-island economy in the Indian Ocean, has maintained its cultural identity of democracy and alongside industrial democracy. The research emphasises that through amendments to the legislation, it is seen that employee relations must sound and dynamic to maintain the concept of industrial democracy and see that employees are better off with the ERA 2008 since it replaced the former Industrial Relations Act (1973).

scholarly journals Trade unions and the sovereign power of the state. A comparative analysis of employer offensives in the Danish and Irish public sectors

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-178
Author(s):  
Imre Szabó
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Trade Unions ◽  
Industrial Relations ◽  
The State ◽  
Sovereign Power ◽  
Government Interventions ◽  
Labour Relations ◽  
The Public ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Role Of The State

The changing composition of trade unions has far-reaching consequences for the relationship between unions and the polity. In particular, the concentration of trade union membership in the public sector – a process that has been taking place in most EU countries – implies a shift away from collective agreements towards legislation as the dominant way of managing employment relations. Pluralist models of collective bargaining assume a neutral, mediating role of the state, but in the public sector the state by definition acts as an employer as well. The state is equipped with the sovereign power to circumvent traditional bargaining agreements and force its will upon trade unions through legislation. The article investigates major bargaining disputes in Europe after 2008, focusing on two countries (Ireland and Denmark) that have different political environments and that, although affected differently by the financial crisis, underwent similar government interventions in labour relations. The findings suggest that a shift towards legislation is a tendency that affects all types of industrial relations systems.

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