Competitiveness agreements in France became a much discussed feature of company-level responses to the 2008 crisis and aftermath. Such innovations raise several issues in a context of multi-unionism, in terms of how different workplace unions of varying organisational cultures respond, but also the consequences for inter-union relations. It is observed that such dynamics are complicated by the representative reforms of 2008 which link local bargaining power to performance in workplace elections. Based on case study analysis of the crisis-ridden automotive industry, this article therefore examines how union responses to competitiveness bargaining are proceeding in light of the revised representative rules.
In many countries, unions, with conflicting political identities, compete for works council positions. However, inter-union solidaristic forms of cooperation can occur within these same institutions. This article advances the concept of strategic group identity to explain the makeup, success, failure and longevity of inter-union cooperation in this context. Based on case studies of inter-union conflict and cooperation on works councils in the French automotive industry, the article highlights the importance of inter-union identity congruence in examining responses to shared threats. Several implications for understanding inter-union solidarity are developed.
Considering recent theoretical accounts on the trajectory of French unionism under localised bargaining, this article examines potential consequences for the country's traditionally largest radical union, Confédération Générale du Travail (CGT). Deploying a case study of CGT at PSA Peugeot Citroёn and Renault in the years since the 2008 automotive crisis, the article observes a persistent pattern of militant opposition within company and plant union sections. Company bargaining structure, interunion reformist collaboration and electoral considerations are identified as workplace mechanisms reinforcing CGT actions at this level.
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