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Explaining Variation in Workplace Restructuring: The Role of Local Union Capabilities

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  • Ann C. Frost

Abstract

Using data collected from two matched pairs of integrated steel- making sites, the author describes variation that occurred in the process and outcomes of workplace restructuring. Four union capabilities-the ability to access information, to educate and mobilize the membership, to communicate with management at multiple levels, and to access decision-making at multiple points-appear to have been critical to two locals' success in negotiating with management over workplace restruc- turing in ways that benefited themselves, their members, and their firms. The author argues for including union locals' capabilities as a key variable in research aimed at understanding differences in outcomes across otherwise similar settings.

Suggested Citation

  • Ann C. Frost, 2000. "Explaining Variation in Workplace Restructuring: The Role of Local Union Capabilities," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 53(4), pages 559-578, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ilrrev:v:53:y:2000:i:4:p:559-578
    DOI: 10.1177/001979390005300401
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Denis Harrisson & Mario Roy & Victor Haines III, 2011. "Union Representatives in Labour–Management Partnerships: Roles and Identities in Flux," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 49(3), pages 411-435, September.
    2. Peter Gahan & Andreas Pekarek, 2013. "Social Movement Theory, Collective Action Frames and Union Theory: A Critique and Extension," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 51(4), pages 754-776, December.
    3. Aobdia, Daniel & Cheng, Lin, 2018. "Unionization, product market competition, and strategic disclosure," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 65(2), pages 331-357.
    4. Catherine Le Capitaine & Gregor Murray & Christian Lévesque, 2013. "Special Issue. Edited by: Gregor Murray, Christian Lévesque, Christian Dufour and Adelheid Hege," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 44(4), pages 389-408, July.
    5. Maëlezig Bigi & Nathalie Greenan & Sylvie Hamon-Cholet & Joseph Lanfranchi, 2018. "The Human Sustainability of ICT and Management Changes: Evidence for the French Public and Private Sectors," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-23, October.
    6. Christian Lévesque & Gregor Murray, 2013. "Renewing Union Narrative Resources: How Union Capabilities Make a Difference," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 51(4), pages 777-796, December.
    7. Eileen Appelbaum & Larry W. Hunter, 2003. "Union Participation in Strategic Decisions of Corporations," NBER Working Papers 9590, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    8. Paul Blyton & Jean Jenkins, 2013. "Mobilizing Protest: Insights from Two Factory Closures," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 51(4), pages 733-753, December.
    9. Nick Krachler & Jennie Auffenberg & Luigi Wolf, 2021. "The Role of Organizational Factors in Mobilizing Professionals: Evidence from Nurse Unions in the United States and Germany," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 59(3), pages 643-668, September.
    10. Sean O’Brady & Virginia Doellgast, 2021. "Collective Voice and Worker Well‐being: Union Influence on Performance Monitoring and Emotional Exhaustion in Call Centers," Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 60(3), pages 307-337, July.

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