Unions in a Changing World: Problems and Prospects in Selected Industrialized Countries

Unions in a Changing World: Problems and Prospects in Selected Industrialized Countries

This timely book takes as its starting point 11 monographs from trade union confederations in eight countries (Australia, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States), as well as other sources. From a union perspective, it gives an overview of the difficult process of self-analysis that unions have been undergoing in order to adjust to economic, technological, social and other changes. After setting the general context, the book examines the increasing diversity of the workforce and changing attitudes towards work, and their effects on union membership levels, influence and priorities. It then considers the many external factors affecting membership and even the legitimation of the trade union movement itself. Finally, it discusses unions’ internal structures and strategies, including improving efficiency, cooperation with other groups, research, special services, training and public relations. In spite of differing approaches, all agree that unions cannot remain passive. This thought-provoking study offers valuable insights into the adjustment problems of trade unions and the attempts made to overcome them.

Shauna L. Olney

International Labour Office

1996

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English

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