PRIVATISATION AND LOCAL TRADE-UNIONISM

The argument in this paper is that, while privatisation creates diffic ulties for traditional forms of unionism, it also opens up the possibi lity of union renewal. Drawing on detailed case study evidence from te lecommunications, gas and water, three related issues are examined. Ma nagerial decentralisation and devolution have created opportunities fo r managements to pursue policies aimed at achieving more direct forms of control over their workforces, specifically through the individuali sation of work relations, thereby threatening the continued operation of unions in these industries. With these developments it has become c lear that the traditional forms of unionism no longer suffice, precipi tating debates within these unions as to how best to deal with these c hanges. In the face of these developments, local unions have attempted to either maintain past forms of organisation and activity to accommo date this process of restructuring or they have begun a process of uni on renewal, broadening their bases of union concern and activity. Thus , the paradox of privatisation is that some unions may be able to take the opportunity provided by this restructuring to reorganise and lay the foundations for their renewal in more participative and active way s.