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Union–Member Engagement in Cambodia's Construction Sector

Author

Listed:
  • Michele Ford
  • Vichhra Mouyly

Abstract

This article argues for the concept of adaptive unionism as a useful way to explore the pragmatic, often short‐term approach that unions adopt just to survive in many parts of the Global South, exploring the impact of an adaptive approach through a comparative study of the Building and Wood Workers Trade Union Federation of Cambodia's relationships with its members in cement factories and on construction sites. In doing so, the article contributes to theoretical discussions within industrial relations by challenging the largely unquestioned focus on processes of revitalization, which assume prior union strength and posit a long‐term strategy of renewal.

Suggested Citation

  • Michele Ford & Vichhra Mouyly, 2026. "Union–Member Engagement in Cambodia's Construction Sector," Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 65(2), pages 230-240, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:indres:v:65:y:2026:i:2:p:230-240
    DOI: 10.1111/irel.70007
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Robert Hickey & Sarosh Kuruvilla & Tashlin Lakhani, 2010. "No Panacea for Success: Member Activism, Organizing and Union Renewal," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 48(1), pages 53-83, March.
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    3. Sabina Lawreniuk, 2020. "Intensifying Political Geographies of Authoritarianism: Toward an Anti-geopolitics of Garment Worker Struggles in Neoliberal Cambodia," Annals of the American Association of Geographers, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 110(4), pages 1174-1191, July.
    4. Edmund Heery, 2015. "Unions and the organising turn: Reflections after 20 years of Organising Works," The Economic and Labour Relations Review, , vol. 26(4), pages 545-560, December.
    5. Ian Fitzgerald & Jane Hardy, 2010. "‘Thinking Outside the Box’? Trade Union Organizing Strategies and Polish Migrant Workers in the United Kingdom," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 48(1), pages 131-150, March.
    6. Serrano, Melisa R. & Xhafa, Edlira, 2016. "From 'precarious informal employment' to 'protected employment': The 'positive transitioning effect' of trade unions," GLU Working Papers 42, Global Labour University (GLU).
    7. Gregor Murray, 2017. "Union renewal: what can we learn from three decades of research?," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 23(1), pages 9-29, February.
    8. Bradon Ellem & Caleb Goods & Patricia Todd, 2020. "Rethinking Power, Strategy and Renewal: Members and Unions in Crisis," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 58(2), pages 424-446, June.
    9. repec:ilo:ilowps:994929593502676 is not listed on IDEAS
    10. Jan Czarzasty & Katarzyna Gajewska & Adam Mrozowicki, 2014. "Institutions and Strategies: Trends and Obstacles to Recruiting Workers into Trade Unions in Poland," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 52(1), pages 112-135, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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