The Crisis of Social Democratic Trade Unionism in Western Europe: The Search for Alternatives

by Andrew Mathers, Graham Taylor, Martin Upchurch, Gregor Gall

Overview

There is a developing crisis of social democratic trade unionism in Western Europe; this volume outlines the crisis and examines the emerging alternatives. The authors define 'social democratic trade unionism' and its associated party-union nexus and explain how this traditional model has been threatened by social democracy's accommodation to neo-liberal restructuring and public service reform. Examining the experience of Sweden, Germany, Britain and France, the volume explores the historical rise and fall of social democratic trade unionism in each of these countries and probes the policy and practice of the European Trade Union Confederation. The authors critically examine the possibilities for a revival of social democratic unionism in terms of strategic policy and identity, offering suggestions for an alternative, radicalized political unionism. The research value of the book is highlighted by its focus on contemporary developments and its authors' intimate knowledge of the chosen countries.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781409488033
Publisher:	Ashgate Publishing Ltd
Publication date:	11/28/2012
Series:	Contemporary Employment Relations
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Martin Upchurch is a Professor of International Employment Relations at the Middlesex University Business School, Middlesex University, UK, Graham Taylor, is a Reader in Sociology, at the School of Sociology, University of the West of England, UK and Dr Andrew Mathers is a Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the School of Sociology, University of the West of England, UK.

Table of Contents

Contents: Social democracy and trade unions; Sweden – social democracy after the divorce?; Germany – the collapse of a model?; State, unions, and labourism in Britain; The persistence of French exceptionalism?; The 'European social model': towards a transnational social democratic trade unionism?; Alternative futures?; Appendices; References; Index.