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Strategies for Union Renewal in the Context of Public Sector Outsourcing

Author

Listed:
  • Ian Cunningham

    (University of Strathclyde)

  • Philip James

    (Oxford Brookes University Business School)

Abstract

In the face of significant declines in union membership and organizing, a variety of strategies for union renewal have been identified. Views differ, however, concerning how far these strategies should be seen as mutually supportive. This article explores this issue drawing on research findings that shed light on the challenges that unions face in recruiting and organizing voluntary sector workers employed in the provision of outsourced public social care services in the UK. It concludes that unions, at least in certain contexts, can potentially utilize a combination of the strategies identified, but that the effective adoption of such an approach requires them to successfully address a number of difficult s trategic challenges.

Suggested Citation

  • Ian Cunningham & Philip James, 2010. "Strategies for Union Renewal in the Context of Public Sector Outsourcing," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 31(1), pages 34-61, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:31:y:2010:i:1:p:34-61
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X09349140
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sue Fernie & David Metcalf, 2005. "Trade Unions: Resurgence or Demise?," CentrePiece - The magazine for economic performance 178, Centre for Economic Performance, LSE.
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    Cited by:

    1. Cécile Guillaume & Gill Kirton, 2020. "Challenges and pitfalls for workplace unionism in a restructured public service," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 41(1), pages 212-228, February.

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