Restructuring as a reaction to growing pressure on trade unionism: the case of the Austrian OGB

Abstract

After charting the specific problems that the Austrian Trade Union Confederation (ÖGB) faces, this article describes the ÖGB's predominant strategy in reaction to growing pressure: structural adjustments. They focus on external restructuring, especially mergers, and union administration. The article analyses the motivations for restructuring and assesses whether transformative restructuring can be observed.

Union‐division: on the paradoxes of purpose and membership scope in union mergers

“…First, questions of union purpose and membership scope were wrapped up with participants’ conceptions of their own identity in relation to other identities. As we engaged with the views on this merger, it became evident that identity mattered—highlighting it as a worthwhile concept for further future research into union mergers (Blaschke, ; Chaison, ; ). Simon, a participant, had summarised his view on the challenge ahead: ‘if you have a workforce that has its own very strong identity … there is a danger if the [new] union that is taking over does not understand aspects of that …’.…”

“…Merger waves within the trade union movement have been widely reported over the years. Recently, mergers have been depicted as a defensive strategy within the context of an increasingly hostile union environment and declining membership (Baraldi et al ., ; Blaschke, ; Waddington, ; Willman and Cave, ). Concurrently, mergers are broadly advocated and internally driven by senior union officers and leaders (Chaison, ; Ebbinghaus, ).…”

“…Chaison, : 99), in‐depth case studies are coming to the fore (e.g. Blaschke, ; Sayce et al ., ). Nevertheless, our knowledge of the ways in which a union's committed members and leaders engage with the variety of ways by which mergers are rationalised and justified is limited.…”

The trade union merger process in Europe: defensive adjustment or strategic reform?

“…Given the recruitment scope of the unions involved, the completion of this initiative would have undermined the ÖGB proposals and brought into question the future of the ÖGB. The merger proposal collapsed, however, amid disputes over financial matters, union cultures and the distribution of power and posts (Blaschke, 2006). The tension between vertical and horizontal union organisation thus remains central to the debate on Austrian trade union structure.…”