2 - Union interests and ideologies

Summary

ABSTRACT

The changing composition of labour at a global level is posing both challenges and opportunities for labour unions. The doubling in numbers of workers worldwide since the advent of globalization creates the conditions for a revitalization of the labour movement despite the challenges posed. This chapter asks the following: How has this global working class organized or not organized when we think of both ends of the spectrum, the informal and the high-tech sectors? How have labour unions – and other non-traditional forms of labour representation – risen to the challenges posed by neoliberal globalization? Based upon an understanding of the identity and appeal of labour unionism, this chapter examines what labour unions try to achieve, and what frameworks govern their strategic choices. It is then the ideologies of labour unionism that determine how the various interests of labour – economic, political and social – are articulated and pursued on behalf of their members.

Keywords: Union interests; union ideology; analytical framework; challenges for unions

INTRODUCTION

Now that we understand better the identity and appeal of labour unionism (see Chapter 1), we can seek to uncover what it is that labour unions then try to achieve, and what frameworks govern their strategic choices. It is then the ideologies – as set of comprehensive of values and beliefs – of labour unionism that determine how the various interests – as set of concerns and desires – of labour – economic, political and social – are articulated and pursued on behalf of their members. That is the purpose of this chapter, building upon the findings of Chapter 1, which developed a multidimensional, multilevel, and multi-actor conceptual framework to evaluate union identity.

We need to bear in mind when pursuing this analysis that the composition of the labour force is complex and involves horizontal and vertical divisions and pre-existing solidarities. There are many key questions that need to be asked. Prime among them is: How does labour unionism create a unified set of interests and an ideology that can carry it forward to achieve its aims and objectives? Historical precedents matter here, and the formative phase of the industrial working class is always relevant, but we must be prepared to rethink labour, its organizations and ideologies if labour unionism is to have a future.