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 The new unionism
Network member and industrial relations expert Conor Cradden discusses what he sees as the historical and theoretical basis for workplace democracy. Part one of his discussion looks at workplace democracy, and part two looks at economic democracy.
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Workplace democracy
An informal coalition of UK unions and thinktanks has produced an important new thinkpiece on workplace democracy. If this agenda is new to you, then here's a great introduction. download»
Towards networks
In this paper on union structural forms, network founding member Professor Charles Heckscher (possibly the father of New Unionism?) looks at three quite different phenomena: the labour movement, labour organizations and labour networks. His discussion suggests a new way forward for workers. Looking at developments over the past few years (with global alliances developing in target industries and other forms of transnational collaboration taking shape), history seems to be proving Heckscher right once again. download»
The missing millions
This highly influential paper from the TUC in the United Kingdom (2001) brings together a series of strands in considering a new strategic approach for the union movement. It is well worth reading for anyone who wants to understand the thinking behind New Unionism. download»
So how did it all pan out? Did their strategy work?
Our discussion of the subsequent results of the UK project can be found here»
Masters and servants
Why do we defer from 9-to-5? The master-servant relationship still haunts workplaces and industrial relations; a feudal hangover passed down through English common law. Network member Peter Hall-Jones argues that it's high time we exorcised the old ghoul. more»
Union revitalisation
Network member Mark Evans discusses the historical roots of the crisis of identity in unionism, and considers the potential value of an approach based on "participatory economics", or ParEcon—an alternative developed by radical economists Michael Albert and Robin Hahnel. download»
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The holologs
 (ho'lo·lôg), n.,v.,
Networked dialogue between a writer, members of a defined network, agents provocateurs, dead people with fixed ideas, random bastards - half of whom are made up - and pretty much anybody else who wants a go.
Relational organizing
 Relational organizing is an approach which sits equally well with trade unionists, community activists, and faith-based networkers. What these enthusiasts describe seems to be a variant on the organizing model, but with a much heavier emphasis on relationships within the group, rather than just interactions between the group and the employer. As one organizer who has used the approach with spectacular results said: "This is about us, not them". If you're a union organizer make time to read this; it may change everything. You'll find it in the Organizing folder above, or click here»
Young people & unionism
 All those workshops and sub-committees... all those caucuses... all those motions of support... Why is it that young people are still not flocking to join unions?? Network member Jodie Schluter leads this second hololog as we look at the issue of unionisation through the eyes of young people, including those working successfully in the field (not to mention a few left-field gonks). more»
Reframing the debate
This hololog looks at how conservatives came to dominate public discourse over the last 30 years. Network member Eduardo Gonzalez guides us through some shared comment and a couple of games as we discuss how "reframing the debate" would help the union movement reclaim centre stage. more»
Factions
 Having trouble with factions in your union? We looked at where factionalism comes from, and had a broad-ranging discussion on what can be done about it. Together, we may just have come up with a solution... a method that turns these internal disputes into outward-focussed co-operation. more» |
