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

Abstract

In most Member States of the European Union, trade unionists are reforming trade union structures through engagement in the merger process. This article charts the scale of the merger process since 2000 and identifies the key features of the unions that result from it. The article assesses the outcome of the merger process by reference to aspects of trade union purpose. While much of the merger process is shown to be defensive, particular mergers are highlighted as comprising features that may assist in the renewal of trade union organisation.

To merge or not to merge? The impact of union merger decisions on workers' representation in Germany

“…Buchanan, 1974). Since the 1980s, this line of inquiry has gained considerable vigour as the ascendancy of neoliberal policy regimes imposed unprecedented challenges on unions in many developed economies (Waddington, 2006). Faced with often dramatic declines in membership and influence, many unions turned to mergers to 'revitalise' their flagging fortunes (Behrens et al, 2004b;Waddington, 2005).…”

Diversity in trade union membership: a typology based on the study of a Spanish trade union

“…The second, more practical, implication which follows on from the first is that, inasmuch as the membership heterogeneity is reflected in these clusters, the trade unions need to consider how to take these diverse realities on board in terms of recruitment and keeping new members, of policy and taking action, of internal representation structures. Without doubt this is today one of the main ongoing debates within the unions, currently undergoing widespread mergers and reorganisation (Frege and Kelly, 2003; Streeck and Visser, 1998; Waddington, 2007). Our analysis leads us to suggest that trade unions should possibly look towards having more flexible and varied organisation, combining the traditional industrial and sectorial structures with others which cut across them.…”

Dancing Alone: The Australian Union Movement Over Three Decades

“…where some union identities were lost; see Peetz, 1998: 140). Amalgamationism was thus 'defensive adjustment' rather than 'strategic reform' (Waddington, 2006). It was a structural fix underpinned by a political/institutional strategy (changing laws and unions' relationships with the ALP) undertaken from a position of weakness rather than strength (see Undy, 1999), rather than located within 'wider strategies for union renewal' (Buchanan, 2003: 63).…”