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Membership growth at a time of union decline

Author

Listed:
  • Carl Parker

    (Bigger Brighter Better, Manchester)

  • James Rees

    (ReesBann Associates, Liverpool)

Abstract

The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) is a general (multi trade) union in the UK, predominately organizing in the retail and distribution sectors. Since 2006 Usdaw has increased its membership by 84 000 members – an increase of 26 per cent, making it in this respect the most successful TUC-affiliated union in the UK. This growth coincided with Usdaw’s decision to develop itself as an organizing union, which involved the establishment of an Usdaw Organising Academy, a paradigm shift in its approach to organizing, and the creative development of new systems and practices to manage the union. This article describes this process of change and so goes some way to providing an explanation for Usdaw’s success. The article also situates Usdaw’s approach within the broader academic and policy debates about implementing the Organizing Model, and draws out some general lessons from Usdaw’s experience.

Suggested Citation

  • Carl Parker & James Rees, 2013. "Membership growth at a time of union decline," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 19(4), pages 521-538, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:treure:v:19:y:2013:i:4:p:521-538
    DOI: 10.1177/1024258913501768
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Simon Turberville, 2009. "Goodbye to All That? Assessing the Organising Model," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Gregor Gall (ed.), Union Revitalisation in Advanced Economies, chapter 3, pages 38-55, Palgrave Macmillan.
    2. Miguel Martinez Lucio & Mark Stuart, 2009. "Organising and Union Modernisation: Narratives of Renewal in Britain," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Gregor Gall (ed.), Union Revitalisation in Advanced Economies, chapter 2, pages 17-37, Palgrave Macmillan.
    3. Gregor Gall, 2009. "What is to be Done with Union Organising?," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Gregor Gall (ed.), Union Revitalisation in Advanced Economies, chapter 1, pages 1-16, Palgrave Macmillan.
    4. Ralph Darlington, 2009. "Organising, Militancy and Revitalisation: The Case of the RMT Union," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Gregor Gall (ed.), Union Revitalisation in Advanced Economies, chapter 5, pages 83-106, Palgrave Macmillan.
    5. Paul Nowak, 2009. "Building Stronger Unions: A Review of Organising in Britain," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Gregor Gall (ed.), Union Revitalisation in Advanced Economies, chapter 7, pages 131-153, Palgrave Macmillan.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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