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Union renewal in historical perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Richard Croucher

    (Middlesex University, UK)

  • Geoffrey Wood

    (University of Essex, UK)

Abstract

This article revisits contemporary union renewal/revival debates through comparison with the late 1930s resurgence of trade unionism in the UK’s engineering industry. It is argued that the 1930s union renewal arose from more favourable contextual conditions than those currently obtaining. It was led by political activists, with better-articulated organisation and greater resonance in the working class than their contemporary counterparts, who were assisted by state policy and pro-worker forces. Conclusions are drawn in relation to current debates.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard Croucher & Geoffrey Wood, 2017. "Union renewal in historical perspective," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 31(6), pages 1010-1020, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:31:y:2017:i:6:p:1010-1020
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017017713950
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Eric Wigham, 1973. "The Power to Manage," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-1-349-01264-0, December.
    2. Miguel Martinez Lucio & Mark Stuart, 2009. "Organising and Union Modernisation: Narratives of Renewal in Britain," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Gregor Gall (ed.), Union Revitalisation in Advanced Economies, chapter 2, pages 17-37, Palgrave Macmillan.
    3. Paul Smith, 2015. "Labour under the law: a new law of combination, and master and servant, in 21st-century Britain?," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 46(5-6), pages 345-364, November.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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