Trade union identities and the role of niche unionism

This research explores the identities being projected by UK certified trade unions in the public domain and the role of niche trade unions and niche unionism. It examines the changes to trade union membership and strategies employed to reverse the overall trend of decline.

Project timeframe

This research will be completed in 2017.

Project objectives

The objectives of the research are to:

  • explore the identities being projected by UK certified trade unions
  • understand the role of niche trade unions and niche unionism in the UK.

Project findings and impact

Trade union membership and identity has transformed over the last 35 years and the trends and implications have been under-researched. Some trade unions have developed their niche identity which involves securing their place in the labour market through tight membership boundaries and creating strategies in order to serve their members.

Trade union membership might have roughly halved since 1980, however, there are instances where trade unions have secured their position and not suffered any meaningful decline. In fact, there are even trade unions where membership has been successfully increased. It is important to continue to examine the trade unions that buck the trend of decline.

Research team

Bob Smale

Output

Smale, B (2012) Five case studies exploring trade union identities and the role of niche unions. Presented at British Universities Industrial Relations Association (BUIRA) conference, 28–30 June, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK.

Smale, B (2010) New insights into the labour process. Presented and chaired at the Work, Employment and Society Conference, 7–9 September, Brighton, UK.

Partners