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Why do Europe's unions find it difficult to organise in small firms?

Author

Listed:
  • Sian Moore

    (Principal Research Fellow, Working Lives Research Institute, London Metropolitan University)

  • Steve Jefferys

    (Director, Working Lives Research Institute, London Metropolitan University)

  • Pierre Cours-Salies

    (Professor, Université Paris 8, Institut d'études européennes, Laboratoire du CNRS: Genre Territoires et mobilités)

Abstract

This article explores the barriers to union membership and organisation at workplace level in SMEs across Europe. It shows that the nature of social relations in SMEs makes the articulation of grievances a high risk strategy for workers and militates against the identification of collective interests as a basis for organisation. However, SMEs are dynamic organisations and organisational change can alter the conditions for representation. The article highlights the key importance of ‘pro-voice’ workers, with a collective frame of reference, for unionisation at workplace level. The general absence of such workers in SMEs compounds the problems faced by unions in addressing union renewal in the growth areas of the EU economy

Suggested Citation

  • Sian Moore & Steve Jefferys & Pierre Cours-Salies, 2007. "Why do Europe's unions find it difficult to organise in small firms?," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 13(1), pages 115-130, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:treure:v:13:y:2007:i:1:p:115-130
    DOI: 10.1177/102425890701300110
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    Cited by:

    1. Antonio Martín Artiles & Oscar Molina, 2011. "Crisis, economic uncertainty and union members' attitudes towards immigration in Europe," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 17(4), pages 453-469, November.

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