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Trade unions learning representatives: progressing partnership?

Author

Listed:
  • Catherine Cassell

    (Manchester Business School, catherine.cassell@mbs.ac.uk)

  • Bill Lee

    (Management School, University of Sheffield, w.j.lee@sheffield.ac.uk)

Abstract

The statutory rights given to trade union learning representatives (ULRs) to facilitate and organize learning in the workplace has led to the creation of a new specialized union lay official role. This article investigates how the ULR initiative is facilitating the development of learning partnerships in the workplace. Empirical data is provided from a qualitative study that draws on interviews with full-time trade union officials from a range of unions. It is argued that although the ULR initiative provides opportunities for unions to promote the ideal of learning partnerships within the workplace, rights to learning remain a contested terrain between many employers and unions.

Suggested Citation

  • Catherine Cassell & Bill Lee, 2009. "Trade unions learning representatives: progressing partnership?," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 23(2), pages 213-230, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:23:y:2009:i:2:p:213-230
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017009102855
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anne Munro & Helen Rainbird, 2000. "The New Unionism and the New Bargaining Agenda: UNISON–Employer Partnerships on Workplace Learning in Britain," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 38(2), pages 223-240, 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. 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. 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.
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    Cited by:

    1. Helen Rainbird & Mark Stuart, 2011. "The state and the union learning agenda in Britain," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 25(2), pages 202-217, June.
    2. Damian Grimshaw & Jo Cartwright & Arjan Keizer & Jill Rubery, 2019. "Market Exposure and the Labour Process: The Contradictory Dynamics in Managing Subcontracted Services Work," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 33(1), pages 76-95, February.

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