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A Feminist Political Economy Critique of ‘the Militant Minority’

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  • Adam DK King

Abstract

Recent growth in strike activity in the United States and Canada has motivated a broad scholarship on union organizing and labour movement revitalization. However, researchers and activists particularly concerned with the role of member mobilization in union renewal have downplayed institutional changes to labour law and regulation which might address the decline of union density and worker power. This commentary offers a feminist political economy critique of recent works on ‘the rank and file strategy’ and ‘the militant minority’ by arguing that greater focus should be devoted to how North American labour law and decentralized bargaining continue to impede union renewal. The article briefly traces the gendered legacy of ‘Wagnerism’ and the latter’s growing incompatibility with contemporary workplaces and forms of employment. It then makes the case for thinking through how organizing could also push for labour law reform, particularly towards broader-based, sectoral forms of collective bargaining and labour market regulation.

Suggested Citation

  • Adam DK King, 2021. "A Feminist Political Economy Critique of ‘the Militant Minority’," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 35(3), pages 584-594, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:35:y:2021:i:3:p:584-594
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017020954746
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eleanor J. Choi & James R. Spletzer, 2012. "The Declining Average Size of Establishments: Evidence and Explanations," Working Papers 452, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
    2. Janice Fine & Jennifer Gordon, 2010. "Strengthening Labor Standards Enforcement through Partnerships with Workers’ Organizations," Politics & Society, , vol. 38(4), pages 552-585, December.
    3. Arianna Tassinari & Vincenzo Maccarrone, 2020. "Riders on the Storm: Workplace Solidarity among Gig Economy Couriers in Italy and the UK," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 34(1), pages 35-54, February.
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