Post-privatised shop steward organisation and union renewal

Abstract

Using an ethnographic case study approach this article provides empirical evidence concerning the response of local union stewards to managerial-led change during and after the process of privatisation. Evidence supports the workplace union renewal thesis. It is suggested that the key mediating factors of a decisive ideological purpose and local leadership style provide the ingredients for union renewal. A number of wider implications are noted, in particular a gap between national trade union policies and workplace industrial relations practices