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Trade unions and corporate campaigning in a global economy: The case of James Hardie

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  • Peter Holland
  • Amanda Pyman

Abstract

This article analyses a campaign led by the Australian Council of Trade Unions, against James Hardie Industries Limited, concerning their responsibility and liability to fully fund asbestos compensation claims. Across the Anglo-American world, trade unions are faced with increasingly hostile legislative and political environments and a declining membership base. In addition, the globalization of capital increasingly allows for organizational mobility and reduced commitment to specific communities or workers. These factors can have a significant impact on union effectiveness, particularly due to their national focus. In response, the concepts of corporate campaigning and social movement unionism have increasingly been used by unions as a strategy to influence and contest corporate policy decisions. This high profile case illustrates the critical role that corporate campaigning can play in ensuring that the mobility of capital does not override justice in a global economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter Holland & Amanda Pyman, 2012. "Trade unions and corporate campaigning in a global economy: The case of James Hardie," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 33(4), pages 555-579, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:33:y:2012:i:4:p:555-579
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X11421968
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. McCulloch, Jock & Tweedale, Geoffrey, 2008. "Defending the Indefensible: The Global Asbestos Industry and its Fight for Survival," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199534852.
    2. Nancy Brown Johnson & Paul Jarley, 2004. "Justice and Union Participation: An Extension and Test of Mobilization Theory," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 42(3), pages 543-562, September.
    3. Vidu Badigannavar & John Kelly, 2005. "Why Are Some Union Organizing Campaigns More Successful Than Others?," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 43(3), pages 515-535, September.
    4. William Sites, 2007. "Beyond Trenches and Grassroots? Reflections on Urban Mobilization, Fragmentation, and the Anti-Wal-Mart Campaign in Chicago," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 39(11), pages 2632-2651, November.
    5. Henry J. Frundt, 1996. "Trade and Cross-Border Labor Strategies in the Americas," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 17(3), pages 387-417, August.
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    Cited by:

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