Understanding European trade unionism. Between market, class and society

Book abstract:

This book examines the role of trade unionism in Europe looking at trade union identity, ideology and strategy. Questions that are answered by the book are current issues such as: How do unions respond to the almost impossible challenges of the times? What are the benefits and constraints of their traditions? Can labour movements escape their past and redefine their purpose and identity? In addition to showing how changes in class relations, economic environment and political realignment have affected trade unions, the historical evolution of trade unionism is examined.

The book is divided into eight chapters. An introduction is followed by a chapter that examines the concept of business unionism. It concludes that trade unions can only intervene effectively in regulating the labour market to the extent that their aims and actions transcend the purely economic. The next chapter presents an account of the analysis of trade unionism developed by Marx and Engels and twentieth century experience of those who attempted to develop trade unions as agents of class struggle. Chapter 4 examines the notion of trade unions as social partners, and how far trade unions can be identified as actors within the renewal of civil society. This is followed by three chapters that consider the historical development and current dilemmas of trade union identity and ideology in three countries: Great Britain, Germany and Italy. The final chapter concludes with thoughts on the idea of solidarity and the construction of labour movements and ideological disorientation in trade unions.

The book is aimed at students and academics. Richard Hyman is Professor of Industrial Relations at the London School of Economics.