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Acted upon and acted through: Unions, consent and contestation vis-a-vis High Performance Work Systems in the automobile industry

Author

Listed:
  • Tod D Rutherford

    (The Department of Geography, The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University, USA)

  • Lorenzo Frangi

    (Organization and Human Resource Department, University of Quebec at Montreal, Canada)

Abstract

Comparing Canadian, German and Swedish automotive unions, this article examines why since the 1990s unions have increasingly accepted High Performance Work Systems (HPWS). ‘External’ factors such as globalization, outsourcing and state neoliberal policies are important, but drawing upon Gramsci and Burawoy, the article adopts an ‘internal’ perspective emphasizing (a) how the mystification of the wage relation is a basis for capital’s workplace hegemony and (b) the role of union agency via ‘defend and restore’ and ‘modernize and adapt’ strategies. The article argues that by incorporating union resistance, HPWS has acted through unions as much as it has acted upon them.

Suggested Citation

  • Tod D Rutherford & Lorenzo Frangi, 2021. "Acted upon and acted through: Unions, consent and contestation vis-a-vis High Performance Work Systems in the automobile industry," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 42(4), pages 983-1003, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:42:y:2021:i:4:p:983-1003
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X19828811
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Jannes ten Berge & Zoltán Lippényi, 2026. "Firm-level technology implementation and finding a new job: The moderating role of industry unionization," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 47(1), pages 271-303, February.
    2. Luigi Stirpe & Antonio J Revilla, 2025. "Elucidating the relationship between high-investment HR systems and workforce engagement: The role of employee education," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 46(2), pages 568-595, May.
    3. Jannes ten Berge & Fabian Dekker, 2025. "New technology and workers’ perceived impact on job quality: Does labor organization matter?," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 46(2), pages 619-654, May.

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