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Dignity and bargaining power: Insights from struggles in strawberries

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  • Matthew M. Fischer‐Daly

Abstract

While solidarity is widely understood as key to worker capacity to improve terms and conditions of employment, the creation of solidarity has received less attention. This article advances the theory that dignity is the creative process, based on a psycho‐social understanding of dignity not as an outcome but an interpersonal exchange. Mutual recognition of each other's capacities to participate in social rules creates solidarity, thereby catalysing collective action and making workplace improvements more likely. The argument is developed through comparison of three cases of worker struggles in the strawberry sector that produced varied outcomes, from steady improvements through union collective bargaining to persistence of poverty wages and gender‐based violence. The proposed model of dignity‐based worker power suggests both functional and psychological effects of democratic practice within worker organizations, coalitions and workplaces.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew M. Fischer‐Daly, 2022. "Dignity and bargaining power: Insights from struggles in strawberries," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 53(3), pages 241-260, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:indrel:v:53:y:2022:i:3:p:241-260
    DOI: 10.1111/irj.12365
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rueda, David, 2005. "Insider–Outsider Politics in Industrialized Democracies: The Challenge to Social Democratic Parties," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 99(1), pages 61-74, February.
    2. Stephanie BARRIENTOS & Gary GEREFFI & Arianna ROSSI, 2011. "Economic and social upgrading in global production networks: A new paradigm for a changing world," International Labour Review, International Labour Organization, vol. 150(3-4), pages 319-340, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. John Kallas, 2023. "Retooling militancy: Labour revitalization and fixed‐duration strikes," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 61(1), pages 68-88, March.

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