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Between Settlement and Mobilization: Political Logics of Intra-Organizational Union Communication on Social Media

Author

Listed:
  • Nana Wesley Hansen

    (University of Copenhagen, Denmark)

  • Mark Friis Hau

    (University of Copenhagen, Denmark)

Abstract

Since both ‘conflict and co-operation are at the heart of employment relations’, unions need to strike a balance between mobilizing workers against employers and ‘social dialogue’ when communicating with members and the public. Drawing on a case study of unions and grassroots communication on Facebook during sector collective bargaining, this article develops a framework of politico-communicative logics that inform the social media strategies of unions and their grassroots: a logic of mobilization and a logic of settlement . These logics are reflected in how unions and grassroots engage with followers, their choice of words and the topics they address. These theoretical developments on politico-communicative logics on Facebook open up the door for further studies of intra-organizational union communication in an increasingly digitalized world.

Suggested Citation

  • Nana Wesley Hansen & Mark Friis Hau, 2024. "Between Settlement and Mobilization: Political Logics of Intra-Organizational Union Communication on Social Media," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 38(2), pages 299-317, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:38:y:2024:i:2:p:299-317
    DOI: 10.1177/09500170221122537
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    References listed on IDEAS

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