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Does the ‘organizing model’ represent a credible union renewal strategy?

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  • Simon R. de Turberville

    (University of Stirling, UKs.r.deturberville@stirling.ac.uk)

Abstract

The organizing model of union renewal is a significant influence for many UK unions. This article recognizes that a focus on the organizing model has made it a useful rhetorical device that has reminded individuals of their shared material interests and helped to generate collective efforts amongst diverse interest groups. That being said, a critical examination calls the rationales for adopting the organizing model, and the concepts that underpin it, into question, and suggests that it represents an inadequate solution to problems generated by the diverse identities of unions operating in different contexts. The conclusion calls into question the extent to which the organizing model can maintain its analytical and practical value to the union-renewal debate.

Suggested Citation

  • Simon R. de Turberville, 2004. "Does the ‘organizing model’ represent a credible union renewal strategy?," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 18(4), pages 775-794, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:18:y:2004:i:4:p:775-794
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017004047963
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Richard B. Freeman, 1998. "Spurts in Union Growth: Defining Moments and Social Processes," NBER Chapters, in: The Defining Moment: The Great Depression and the American Economy in the Twentieth Century, pages 265-296, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. Patricia Fosh, 1993. "Membership Participation in Workplace Unionism: The Possibility of Union Renewal," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 31(4), pages 577-592, December.
    3. Jeremy Waddington & Colin Whitston, 1997. "Why Do People Join Unions in a Period of Membership Decline?," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 35(4), pages 515-546, December.
    4. Richard Freeman & Jeffrey Pelletier, 1990. "The Impact of Industrial Relations Legislation on British Union Density," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 28(2), pages 141-164, July.
    5. 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.
    6. Richard Disney, 1990. "Explanations of the Decline in Trade Union Density In Britain: an Appraisal," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 28(2), pages 165-177, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. David Peetz & Barbara Pocock, 2009. "An Analysis of Workplace Representatives, Union Power and Democracy in Australia," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 47(4), pages 623-652, December.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.

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