CEP: research - unions

rlab | case | cee | cep | fmg | sticerd

text only

cep home page
about the cep
contact us
research
  -future of the unions:

key research areas:
  --recognition &
     membership.
  --internal behaviour.
  --performance
     outcomes.
  --impact of the
     new economy.

publications
events & calendar
staff directory
support & services
news & highlights

Performance outcomes

An important determinant of future union growth could be the extent to which unions are regarded as the guardians of justice in the workplace:

An analysis of what works for women at work has revealed that women in workplaces which recognise a union are more likely to have access to equal opportunities and family-friendly policies and outcomes that those in non-union establishments. Whilst HRM workplaces also offer family-friendly working, there is a greater emphasis on policies which create flexibility for the employer e.g part-time work.

Workplace performance is better where the employer offers a range of family-friendly practices, suggesting that unions can be in a strong position both with employers and with female employees in arguing for family-friendly policies. It is also the case that in narrowing the distribution of pay, unions lessen pay differentials between women and men, and blacks and whites, reducing inequality in the workplace. The ability of unions to publicise what they do for disadvantaged groups and to use it as a recruitment tool, is likely to be an important factor in determining their future.

A selection of CEP research on the impact of trade unions:

Gray, H. and Fernie, S. (2000). 'It's a Family Affair: The Effect of Union Recognition and HRM on the Provision of Equal Opportunities in the UK', CEP Working Paper No.1114. Available on request.
Gray, H. (2001). 'Family-Friendly Working: What a Performance!', CEP Working Paper No.1135. Available on request.
Metcalf, D., Hansen, K. and Charlwood, A. (2001). 'Unions and the Sword of Justice: Impact of Unions on Payment Systems, Low Pay and Distribution of Pay', National Institute Economic Review. 176. Also available as CEP discussion paper 452. [full doc]
Gospel, H., Lockwood, G. and Willman, P. (2001). 'The Right to Know: Disclosure of Information for Collective Bargaining and Joint Consultation ', Comparative Labor Law and Policy Journal, under consideration. Also available as CEP discussion paper 453 [full doc]

Copyright © CEP 2003 - 2007.	LSE, Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE. email: cep.info@lse.ac.uk