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Workplace partnership and legitimacy: a multi-layered analysis of the shop steward experience

Author

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  • Peter Butler

    (De Montfort University, UK)

  • Olga Tregaskis

    (University of East Anglia, UK)

Abstract

The phenomenon of workplace partnership has attracted significant academic interest. This article uses case study evidence from a traditional heavy engineering MNC context to examine how the pursuit of collaborative strategies affected the roles of a multi-layered, mature community of trade union shop stewards. The analytical lens of legitimacy is used to provide insight into the contrasting experiences of senior and sectional stewards – a hitherto overlooked area. This study suggests limitations at one level of representation may be offset by advances at another and thus aids understanding of the conditions underpinning the impact of partnership.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter Butler & Olga Tregaskis, 2015. "Workplace partnership and legitimacy: a multi-layered analysis of the shop steward experience," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 29(6), pages 895-911, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:29:y:2015:i:6:p:895-911
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017014559766
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Denis Harrisson & Mario Roy & Victor Haines III, 2011. "Union Representatives in Labour–Management Partnerships: Roles and Identities in Flux," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 49(3), pages 411-435, September.
    2. Miguel Martínez Lucio & Mark Stuart, 2004. "Partnership and the Politics of Trade Union Policy Formation in the UK: The Case of the Manufacturing, Science and Finance Union," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Anil Verma & Thomas A. Kochan (ed.), Unions in the 21st Century, chapter 14, pages 191-204, Palgrave Macmillan.
    3. William K. Roche & John F. Geary, 2002. "Advocates, Critics and Union Involvement in Workplace Partnership: Irish Airports," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 40(4), pages 659-688, December.
    4. David E. Guest & Riccardo Peccei, 2001. "Partnership at Work: Mutuality and the Balance of Advantage," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 39(2), pages 207-236, June.
    5. Richard Hyman, 1997. "The Future of Employee Representation," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 35(3), pages 309-336, September.
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