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Meanings and dilemmas in community unionism

Author

Listed:
  • Miguel Martínez Lucio

    (Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, Miguel.Martinezlucio@manchester.ac.uk)

  • Robert Perrett

    (University of Bradford School of Management, r.perrett@bradford.ac.uk)

Abstract

The article shows that community initiatives take different forms and are the outcome of a broader interplay of factors between workers’ interests, representation, and the strategies of unions and broader coalitions that are mobilized in specific communities. Drawing from three case studies on black and minority ethnic (BME) workers and trade unions in the UK the article looks at how the rhetoric of community unionism has been adopted in an uneven manner by trade unions: the article suggests that: (a) community initiatives are variable, (b) they lack a structure and clear vision, (c) the question of BME engagement is rarely central in many projects, and (d) the ambivalent role of the state is a significant factor in many of these initiatives. This state role is downplayed in much of the literature, thus raising dilemmas in terms of community initiatives.

Suggested Citation

  • Miguel Martínez Lucio & Robert Perrett, 2009. "Meanings and dilemmas in community unionism," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 23(4), pages 693-710, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:23:y:2009:i:4:p:693-710
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017009344916
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
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