Changing Role of Trade Unions: A Paradigm Shift

The male "breadwinner" model, on which much of trade union organization was based, has become increasingly inappropriate. Due to globalization, structural changes, the trend to individualism, new information and communication technologies, demographic changes, the more widespread adoption of neoliberal policies, changes in the character of work and the reform of production regimes, trade union membership and density have declined. The book serves to review the explanations of declining trade unionism focusing on both external threats and inadequacies of union organization, thereby identifying the challenges faced by unions if they are to increase membership. The book also reviews some features of the trade union response to decline and the wide range of reforms that have to be implemented, if trade unions are to reverse the decline. One of the major criticisms of contemporary union movements concerns their inability to come to terms with the social composition of an evolving labor market. Thus, trade unions require "renewa", "revitalization", "remaking" or "rekindling". The reconfiguration of global production systems is certainly one of the most visible faces of the restructuring of work and employment with which trade unions now have to contend. Ultimately, the trade unions would have to embrace and reflect the aspirations of new labor market identities if they are to meet the challenge of renewal. This book will cater to the needs of labor economists, policy planners, employers, trade union leaders, HR consultants and practising managers.