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Overcoming Barriers to Transnational Organizing Through Identity Work: Finnish–Estonian Trade Union Cooperation

Author

Listed:
  • Kairit Kall

    (Tallinn University, Estonia; University of Jyväskylä, Finland)

  • Nathan Lillie

    (University of Jyväskylä, Finland)

  • Markku Sippola

    (University of Tampere, Finland)

  • Laura Mankki

    (University of Jyväskylä, Finland)

Abstract

This article analyses a project by Finnish and Estonian unions to adopt ‘organizing model’ strategies through establishing the transnational ‘Baltic Organising Academy’. Initially aimed at Estonian workplaces, successful campaigns inspired Finnish unions to copy the model in Finland. This cooperation was originally motivated by labour market interdependence between the two countries, and the failure of past social-partnership oriented union strategies in Estonia. The willingness of Finnish and Estonian unions to commit resources to transnational cooperation around an ‘organizing model’ marks a dramatic departure from the unions’ previous strategies. This change was accomplished by transnational activists who have developed and raised support for the adoption of an ‘organizing model’ in the face of structural challenges and ideological opposition by some union officials. The project’s transnational organizing exemplifies one possible solution to union weakness in Eastern Europe, and underlines the importance of ‘identity work’ in building transnational trade union coalitions around organizing.

Suggested Citation

  • Kairit Kall & Nathan Lillie & Markku Sippola & Laura Mankki, 2019. "Overcoming Barriers to Transnational Organizing Through Identity Work: Finnish–Estonian Trade Union Cooperation," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 33(2), pages 208-225, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:33:y:2019:i:2:p:208-225
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017017746086
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jens Arnholtz & Christian Lyhne Ibsen & Flemming Ibsen, 2016. "Importing low-density ideas to high-density revitalisation: The ‘organising model’ in Denmark," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 37(2), pages 297-317, May.
    2. Ian Greer & Marco Hauptmeier, 2012. "Identity Work: Sustaining Transnational Collective Action at General Motors Europe," Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 51(2), pages 275-299, April.
    3. Petri Böckerman & Roope Uusitalo, 2006. "Erosion of the Ghent System and Union Membership Decline: Lessons from Finland," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 44(2), pages 283-303, June.
    4. Ari Skulason & Markku Jääskelainen, 2000. "Regional co-operation within the Nordic Council of Trade Unions and across the Baltic Sea," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 6(1), pages 78-91, February.
    5. Nathan Lillie, 2004. "Global Collective Bargaining on Flag of Convenience Shipping," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 42(1), pages 47-67, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Nathan Lillie & Anita Brzozowska & Kairit Kall & Justyna Salamońska & Kamil Matuszczyk, 2025. "Transgovernmental Labour Standards Enforcement in a Pan‐European Labour Market: An Arms Race Between Institutional Alignment and Regulatory Arbitrage," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 63(3), pages 804-820, May.
    2. Barbara Samaluk & Kairit Kall, 2023. "Trade union project-based revitalization strategies in Central and Eastern Europe: The Case of Slovenia and Estonia," European Journal of Industrial Relations, , vol. 29(1), pages 7-24, March.
    3. Kairit Kall, 2024. "From a handful of activists towards an organising subculture: institutionalisation of transnational union organising in Central and Eastern Europe," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 30(1), pages 87-101, February.

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