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British Unions: Dissolution or Resurgence?

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  • Metcalf, David

Abstract

Two-employees-in-five belong to a union in Great Britain. This is a higher density figure than those of our main EC partners, but it masks the longest sustained period of membership loss ever experienced. Union responses to the loss of a third of their members are examined. Mergers among unions will influence union organization and structure but will not affect total membership much. It is emphasized that their interaction with employers is of paramount importance in determining unions' future. Their dealings with present non-union members are of secondary importance. The state can play a key role too: further attacks on collectivism point to decay but encouragement of collective bargaining by a future government would lead to a resurgence in union fortunes. Copyright 1991 by Oxford University Press.

Suggested Citation

  • Metcalf, David, 1991. "British Unions: Dissolution or Resurgence?," Oxford Review of Economic Policy, Oxford University Press and Oxford Review of Economic Policy Limited, vol. 7(1), pages 18-32, Spring.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:oxford:v:7:y:1991:i:1:p:18-32
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Nickolaos Giovanis & Efstratios Giovanis, 2020. "Assessment On The Change Of Union Density Rate By Means Of Macroeconomic Indicators: A Quantitative Research," Noble International Journal of Economics and Financial Research, Noble Academic Publsiher, vol. 5(6), pages 63-73, June.
    2. Francis Green & Stephen Machin & David Wilkinson, 1999. "Trade Unions and Training Practices in British Workplaces," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 52(2), pages 179-195, January.
    3. John H. Pencavel, 2004. "The Surprising Retreat of Union Britain," NBER Chapters, in: Seeking a Premier Economy: The Economic Effects of British Economic Reforms, 1980–2000, pages 181-232, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    4. Jeremy Waddington & Allan Kerr, 2015. "Joining UNISON: does the reform of a union organising strategy change how members perceive their recruitment?," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 46(3), pages 187-207, May.
    5. Richard B. Freeman, 1995. "The Future for Unions in Decentralized Collective Bargaining Systems: US and UK Unionism in an Era of Crisis," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 33(4), pages 519-536, December.
    6. David Metcalf, 2001. "British Unions: Dissolution or Resurgence Revisited," CEP Discussion Papers dp0493, Centre for Economic Performance, LSE.
    7. Charlwood, Andy, 2001. "Influences on trade union organising effectiveness in Great Britain," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 20111, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    8. Jeremy Waddington & Allan Kerr, 2009. "Transforming a Trade Union? An Assessment of the Introduction of an Organizing Initiative," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 47(1), pages 27-54, March.
    9. Francis Green, 1992. "Recent Trends in British Trade Union Density: How Much of a Compositional Effect?," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 30(3), pages 445-458, September.
    10. Paul Wlllman & Alan Cave, 1994. "The Union of the Future: Super-Unions or Joint Ventures?," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 32(3), pages 395-412, September.
    11. Martyn Andrews & Robin Naylor, 1994. "Declining Union Density in the 1980s: What Do Panel Data Tell Us?," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 32(3), pages 413-432, September.
    12. Metcalf, David, 2001. "British unions: dissolution or resurgence revisited," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 20124, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.

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