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Union Mobilization: A Consideration of the Factors Affecting the Willingness of Union Members to Take Industrial Action

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  • Donna M. Buttigieg
  • Stephen J. Deery
  • Roderick D. Iverson

Abstract

Drawing on mobilization theory, this article seeks to identify the factors that shape the willingness of union members to take industrial action. The study utilized data from a large‐scale survey (N = 1,111) carried out in a financial services union during the renegotiation of a collective bargaining contract. The results suggested that individuals were more willing to engage in industrial action when they experienced a sense of injustice or unfairness in the employment relationship and when they held a collectivist orientation to work. Moreover, their propensity to take industrial action was greater when they considered that their union was an effective instrument of power. Workplace representatives were also important, particularly when they were seen as being responsive to their members' needs in situations of perceived injustice. The implications for mobilization theory and for union strategy are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Donna M. Buttigieg & Stephen J. Deery & Roderick D. Iverson, 2008. "Union Mobilization: A Consideration of the Factors Affecting the Willingness of Union Members to Take Industrial Action," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 46(2), pages 248-267, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:brjirl:v:46:y:2008:i:2:p:248-267
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-8543.2008.00675.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sue Fernie & David Metcalf, 2005. "Trade Unions: Resurgence or Demise?," CentrePiece - The magazine for economic performance 178, Centre for Economic Performance, LSE.
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    Cited by:

    1. Robert Hickey & Sarosh Kuruvilla & Tashlin Lakhani, 2010. "No Panacea for Success: Member Activism, Organizing and Union Renewal," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 48(1), pages 53-83, March.
    2. Paul Blyton & Jean Jenkins, 2013. "Mobilizing Protest: Insights from Two Factory Closures," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 51(4), pages 733-753, December.
    3. Jon Las Heras & Lluis Rodríguez, 2021. "Striking to Renew: Basque Unions’ Organizing Strategies and Use of the Strike‐Fund," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 59(3), pages 669-700, September.
    4. Kurt Vandaele, 2016. "Interpreting strike activity in western Europe in the past 20 years: the labour repertoire under pressure," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 22(3), pages 277-294, August.
    5. Andy Chan & Ed Snape, 2013. "Are cultural values associated with organizational and union commitment and citizenship behavior? A study of Chinese manufacturing workers," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 30(1), pages 169-190, March.
    6. Nana Wesley Hansen & Mark Friis Hau, 2024. "Between Settlement and Mobilization: Political Logics of Intra-Organizational Union Communication on Social Media," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 38(2), pages 299-317, April.

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