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Trade Union Learning Strategies and Migrant Workers

Author

Listed:
  • Robert Perrett
  • Miguel Martínez Lucio
  • Jo McBride
  • Steve Craig

Abstract

This paper examines trade union networking and community-oriented activity through the recent development of learning strategies in relation to migrant workers. The paper locates the discussion on learning in relation to union attempts to develop a broader urban and community-based view of the union as an organisation. It assesses the innovative ways trade unions deploy their learning strategies given the challenges associated with a liberal market economy, in particular, in relation to poor levels of co-ordination amongst key social organisations and low levels of state commitment to the area of training. The paper draws on five empirical case studies of such innovative union approaches and concludes that many of these learning initiatives represent a significant intervention by unions in local urban and community-based contexts. However, it also notes that these appear to be disconnected from stable and consistent forms of local community-based organisation and, in part, remain enveloped in a marketised project-based approach which is piecemeal and in many aspects financially dependent on the state.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert Perrett & Miguel Martínez Lucio & Jo McBride & Steve Craig, 2012. "Trade Union Learning Strategies and Migrant Workers," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 49(3), pages 649-667, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:49:y:2012:i:3:p:649-667
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098011431618
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kavita Datta & Cathy McIlwaine & Yara Evans & Joanna Herbert & Jon May & Jane Wills, 2007. "From Coping Strategies to Tactics: London's Low‐Pay Economy and Migrant Labour," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 45(2), pages 404-432, June.
    2. John McIlroy, 2008. "Ten Years of New Labour: Workplace Learning, Social Partnership and Union Revitalization in Britain," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 46(2), pages 283-313, June.
    3. Edmund Heery & Carola Frege, 2006. "New Actors in Industrial Relations," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 44(4), pages 601-604, December.
    4. Jason Heyes & Mark Stuart, 1998. "Bargaining for Skills: Trade Unions and Training at the Workplace," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 36(3), pages 459-467, September.
    5. Edmund Heery, 1998. "The Relaunch of the Trades Union Congress," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 36(3), pages 339-360, September.
    6. Jo McBride, 2006. "Mapping worker collectivism," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 20(3), pages 583-591, September.
    7. Janice Fine, 2007. "A Marriage Made in Heaven? Mismatches and Misunderstandings between Worker Centres and Unions," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 45(2), pages 335-360, June.
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