a column by Jakob Molinder, Tobias Karlsson and Kerstin Enflo for VOX: CEPR’s Policy Portal
History has shown that new technology can disrupt societies, and current developments in automation have raised anxious speculation on what might happen if stable middle-class jobs are taken over by machines.
This column analyses the impact of technological change on labour markets and social protests, taking the case of the adoption of electricity in early 20th century Sweden. It finds that electrification did increase the incidence of local strikes, but that disputes were associated with workers demanding higher wages and better working conditions rather than attempting to block innovation.
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Showing posts with label unions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label unions. Show all posts
Friday, 1 November 2019
Thursday, 11 July 2013
British trade unions and the academics: The case of Unionlearn
an article by John McIlroy and Richard Croucher (Middlesex University, UK) published in Capital & Class Volume 37 Number 2 (June 2013)
Abstract
Unionlearn and union learning representatives were developed by the British TUC to match workers with education and training opportunities, strengthen the economy, foster market inclusion and facilitate social mobility. Their contribution to union revitalisation was emphasised.
This article questions whether, with unions confronting global crisis, this is a necessary initiative.
It stemmed from TUC failure to achieve policy goals, institutional needs, consequent acceptance of a lesser role, and the availability of state finance. Claims by academics that it provides influence over state policy and contributes to revitalisation remain inadequately evidenced.
Union resurgence is not immanent.
The way forward is through adversarial grassroots organising and socialist education, not through retooling capital, improving members’ marketability and partnership with a hostile state.
Abstract
Unionlearn and union learning representatives were developed by the British TUC to match workers with education and training opportunities, strengthen the economy, foster market inclusion and facilitate social mobility. Their contribution to union revitalisation was emphasised.
This article questions whether, with unions confronting global crisis, this is a necessary initiative.
It stemmed from TUC failure to achieve policy goals, institutional needs, consequent acceptance of a lesser role, and the availability of state finance. Claims by academics that it provides influence over state policy and contributes to revitalisation remain inadequately evidenced.
Union resurgence is not immanent.
The way forward is through adversarial grassroots organising and socialist education, not through retooling capital, improving members’ marketability and partnership with a hostile state.
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