Originally published in 1981, Trade Unions was written at a time when there was a widespread belief that Britain’s trade unions were undemocratic, obstructive and strike-prone. This book argues that throughout their history, British trade unions have played a reactive role, and that their objectives, organization and tactics have been shaped by the actions of others, whether employers, governments or the judiciary. The book examines the historical development of the trade union movement and its long running battle with lawyers and judges. It then analyses trade union structure, organization and government and looks at the pattern of union activity in the workplace. Trade Unions will be of interest to students of industrial relations, politics and management studies and for anyone interested in the role of unions within contemporary British society.
Author(s): Kevin Hawkins
Series: Routledge Library Editions: Trade Unions, 7
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 213
City: London
Cover
Half Title
Title Page
Copyright Page
Original Title Page
Original Copyright Page
Table of Contents
List of Charts and Tables
1 Historical Introduction
Beginnings of Organisation
Struggle for Existence
New Unionism and Political Representation
Syndicalism and the Impact of War
From Conflict to Cooperation
2 Diversity of Organisation
Complex Structure
Craft Unions
General Unions
Industrial Unions
Non-Manual Unions
Industrial Federations
3 Internal Democracy
Voluntary Basis
Union Government
Branch and Workplace
4 Trades Union Congress
Rise of the General Council
Present Organisation and Activities
Role of the Trades Councils
International Affiliations
5 Collective Bargaining
Its Nature and Evolution
Various Bargaining Procedures
Statutory Wage Regulation
Conciliation, Arbitration and Strikes
Wage Movements and Incomes Policy
6 Industrial Democracy
Demand for Workers' Control
Developments in Consultation
Management and Productivity Bargaining
7 Political Action
Changing Political Objectives
Links with the Labour Party
Opposition to Communist Penetration
8 Relations with the State
Appendices:
(A) Membership and Finances
(B) Donovan Commission's Report: Summary of Main Conclusions and Recommendations
Index
