stronger together

An updated version of this paper has been published by the Labor Studies Journal, see it at Tattersall, A. 2009. A little help from our friends: a framework for understanding when labor unions are likely to join long term labor-community coalitions. Labor Studies Journal 34, 4.

Abstract: Union renewal and coalition unionism are widely considered necessary, however the different factors that provoke union engagement in coalitions is under-theorized.  This article considers six factors that help explain when a union is likely to form a coalition with a community organisation using the term community and the dialectic of opportunity and choice.  It then explores this framework by comparing two case studies of union engagement in long-term coalitions in Australia and Canada.  The article finds that pre-existing union identities, common interest and decentralized union structures are important factors in coalition formation and whether member participation is likely in coalition activity.  It highlights that unions are likely to engage in coalition unionism when there is a coincidence of crisis and perceived opportunity for coalition practice, while noting that the depth of union engagement is greatly affected by the type of union actors that initiate coalition participation (whether officials, factions, organizers or delegates).  The article finds that different passages for coalition unionism are possible, and they can originate inside unions or be provoked externally by coalitions.  It stresses that union leadership support for coalition unionism may be necessary for coalition practice, but it is not sufficient for generating deep union engagement in coalitions.

Download the full text: Tattersall A little help from our friends LSJ