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The European Trade Union Confederation at the crossroads of change? Traversing the variable geometry of European trade unionism

Mathers, Andrew; Taylor, Graham

Authors

Andrew Mathers

Graham Taylor



Abstract

There are growing indications that the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) is undergoing a shift in strategic orientation from an exclusive focus on institutional 'social partnership' within the European Union towards a more campaigning 'social movement' model. This article explores two recent campaigns, on the European Charter of Fundamental Rights and the Convention on the Future of Europe, and considers how far these developments mark the emergence of a distinctive trade union identity at European level. The article concludes with examples of other areas where the ETUC could encourage 'internal dialogue' within European trade unionism and develop further a 'hybrid' transnational identity.

Citation

Mathers, A., & Taylor, G. (2004). The European Trade Union Confederation at the crossroads of change? Traversing the variable geometry of European trade unionism. European Journal of Industrial Relations, 10(3), 267-285. https://doi.org/10.1177/0959680104047021

Journal Article Type Review
Publication Date Nov 1, 2004
Journal European Journal of Industrial Relations
Print ISSN 0959-6801
Publisher SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed Not Peer Reviewed
Volume 10
Issue 3
Pages 267-285
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/0959680104047021
Keywords European Trade Union Confederation, variable geometry, European trade unionism
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1062789
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0959680104047021
Additional Information Additional Information : G Taylor was the lead author in the publications by Taylor & Mathers as indicated by the order in which the authors appear. Both authors made a substantial contribution although it is not possible to attribute a specific proportion to each author.

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