Is social movement unionism still relevant? The case of the South African federation COSATU
Author(s)
Dibben, Pauline
Wood, Geoffery
Mellahi, Kamel
Year published
2012
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Is adopting a social movement role the most effective organisational strategy for organised labour or is it little more than an ideal, in an age of austerity and union defensiveness? This article draws on a national survey of Congress of South African Trade Union (COSATU) members to test perceptions of union activities and finds that COSATU unions largely embrace a social movement role. However, in the context of insecurity, unions need to address the central challenge of declining formal sector employment and precarious jobs.Is adopting a social movement role the most effective organisational strategy for organised labour or is it little more than an ideal, in an age of austerity and union defensiveness? This article draws on a national survey of Congress of South African Trade Union (COSATU) members to test perceptions of union activities and finds that COSATU unions largely embrace a social movement role. However, in the context of insecurity, unions need to address the central challenge of declining formal sector employment and precarious jobs.
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Journal Title
Industrial Relations Journal
Volume
43
Issue
6
Subject
Economics
Commerce, management, tourism and services
Industrial and employee relations