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Trade union responses to workplace restructuring: exploring union orientations and actions

Author

Listed:
  • Nicolas Bacon

    (Nottingham University Business School, UKnicholas.bacon@nottingham.ac.uk)

  • Paul Blyton

    (Cardiff Business School, UKblyton@cardiff.ac.uk)

Abstract

In this article we identify four distinct types of union responses to workplace restructuring on the basis of different combinations of ideological orientations and actions in collective bargaining. Four union branches are described, each making one of these different types of response when required to negotiate the introduction of teamworking in two steel plants. We report a wide variation in the subsequent outcomes from teamworking for management and workers in each department according to union response. However, no single type of response optimized all types of outcomes, suggesting union strategies involve important and purposeful trade-offs in outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicolas Bacon & Paul Blyton, 2004. "Trade union responses to workplace restructuring: exploring union orientations and actions," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 18(4), pages 749-773, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:18:y:2004:i:4:p:749-773
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017004047962
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ann C. Frost, 2001. "Reconceptualizing Local Union Responses to Workplace Restructuring in North America," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 39(4), pages 539-564, December.
    2. Abigail Marks & Patricia Findlay & James Hine & Paul Thompson & Alan McKinlay, 1998. "The Politics of Partnership? Innovation in Employment Relations in the Scottish Spirits Industry," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 36(2), pages 209-226, June.
    3. Nicholas Bacon & John Storey, 2000. "New Employee Relations Strategies in Britain: Towards Individualism or Partnership?," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 38(3), pages 407-427, September.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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