Abstract
Much of the previous argument in the book may lead the reader to wonder what role our trade union organisations may have in developing a socially useful economy. Our contention is that these organisations have a central role. Around a half of Britain’s workforce are in the trade unions, very little of that proportion coming about through ‘enforced’ closed shop arrangements. This despite a seven year aggressive campaign against most aspects of trade unionism, of a virulence and continuity seldom seen before this century. The fact that so many people join and stay in trade unions — which in the main are voluntary organisations — is important in itself; compared to membership of any other voluntary organisation trade union membership is both bigger and more extensive than anything else seen in the country; nor, unlike, say, membership of an insurance scheme or the Automobile Association, does membership automatically confer specific financial or material benefits.
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© 1986 Stephen Bodington, Mike George and John Michaelson
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Bodington, S., George, M., Michaelson, J. (1986). New Functions for Trade Unions. In: Developing the Socially Useful Economy. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-18155-1_13
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-18155-1_13
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-0-333-39632-2
Online ISBN: 978-1-349-18155-1
eBook Packages: Palgrave Social & Cultural Studies CollectionSocial Sciences (R0)