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Worker agency and trade union renewal: the case of Poland

Author

Listed:
  • Adam Mrozowicki

    (University of Wrocław, adam.mrozowicki@wns.uni.wroc.pl)

  • Valeria Pulignano

    (Catholic University of Leuven, valeria.pulignano@soc.kuleuven.be)

  • Geert Van Hootegem

    (Catholic University of Leuven, geert.vanhootegem@soc.kuleuven.be)

Abstract

Contrary to predictions of continued weakness of the union movement in post-socialist countries of Central and Eastern Europe, in recent years Polish trade unions have undertaken various revitalisation attempts, including campaigns to organise unions in the private sector. Although the existing literature accounts for this internal union transformation by referring to macrosocial and institutional factors, this article suggests that the emerging potential of union renewal is linked with the new forms of union activism and worker agency. This asser tion is based on an exploratory empirical study using 45 biographical narrative interviews with company-level union representatives in Poland.The analysis reveals the existence of ‘transitional’ and ‘reinvented’ patterns of union activism. The article concludes that new unionism in Poland does not resemble an economic unionism or broad social movement unionism as suggested by other authors. On the contrary, it follows a path that combines the reinvented union ethos with market-oriented strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Adam Mrozowicki & Valeria Pulignano & Geert Van Hootegem, 2010. "Worker agency and trade union renewal: the case of Poland," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 24(2), pages 221-240, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:24:y:2010:i:2:p:221-240
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017010362143
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hyman, Richard, 2007. "How can trade unions act strategically?," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 39803, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jan Czarzasty & Katarzyna Gajewska & Adam Mrozowicki, 2014. "Institutions and Strategies: Trends and Obstacles to Recruiting Workers into Trade Unions in Poland," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 52(1), pages 112-135, March.

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