bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technical change and work organisation
Authors: Wilkinson Barry
Published: July 2007

The increasing use of new technology in factories has radical implications for the modern organisation and experience of work. All the things which determine the experience of the worker are being redesigned around the latest equipment and machinery. This article reports on case studies concerned with the introduction of new technology in British industry.
Size of organisation, attitudes to work and job satisfaction
Authors: Stephenson Geoffrey , Brotherton Christopher , Delafield George , Skinner Martin
Published: July 2007

It is widely believed that large size creates problems for industrial relations and, conversely, that small size is beneficial. There has been little research relating size and workers' attitudes—this article reports the findings from a study in 24 factories in British manufacturing industry.
The Engineers' and Managers' Association
Authors: Roslender Robin
Published: July 2007

For the past 15 years a number of unions have competed for professional engineers. In 1979 the EMA emerged as their principal union offering a new concept—a trade union for professionals.
Trade union journals revisited
Authors: Marsh Arthur , Gillies J. G.
Published: July 2007

The trade union journal has never attracted much attention—the primary object of this article is to review the production and distribution and the changes which have taken place in these during the past two decades.
White‐collar workers, unionisation and political behaviour
Authors: Rallings Colin
Published: July 2007

Evidence from a variety of sources confirms that the number of non‐manual employees in trade unions has been increasing rapidly over the past twenty years. The author surveys the explanations of this growth and examines the relationship between political behaviour and membership of white collar trade unions.
The wildcat strike and industrial relations*
Authors: Fantasia Richard
Published: July 2007

Institutionalised collective bargaining can be seen as a limited vehicle for the promotion of workers' demands. This detailed participantobserver case study in a plant in northern New Jersey describes the process of a wildcat strike and evaluates its efficacy as a means of advancing important aspects of workers' interests outside the conventional, institutional channels.
Industrial relations law commentary
Authors: Mackie Karl
Published: July 2007

The provisions of the 1982 Act were described in the last IRJ law commentary. In this part, the policies behind the Act are analysed.
Law commentary case report
Authors: Shrubsall Vivien
Published: July 2007

A dispute between an individual union member and his trade union which has been going on for over seven years and which resulted in the member's expulsion because of the application of the Bridlington principles has finally been heard by the House of Lords.
The motor manufacturing industry in Britain: prospects for the 1980s*
Authors: Manwaring Tony
Published: July 2007

In the 1960s and 1970s motor manufacturing was seen as a microcosm of British industrial deterioration, now it is hailed as an example of success. Despite scepticism from abroad, the author argues that it is not in terminal decline.
Shop stewards through expansion and recession
Authors: Terry Michael
Published: July 2007

Evidence testifies to the spread and development of shop steward organisation across British industry during the 1970s. This article focuses on the ways managements sought to influence the particular organisational forms adopted by stewards and their reason for doing so and whether such approaches have been maintained in the changed circumstances since 1979.
Unions, organisation change and alcohol policy
Authors: Beaumont Phil
Published: July 2007

There is little doubt that company policies which successfully attempt to change employee behaviour patterns require a high level of trade union involvement. Workplace alcoholism policies are an example of this kind of initiative. This article presents some preliminary, survey evidence on the extent to which alcohol policies have been introduced in Scotland.
Pay reference arbitration and the disclosure of information
Authors: Towers Brian , Wright Mike
Published: July 2007

This, the first of two articles, brings together two aspects of industrial relations: the practice of arbitration and the disclosure of information in the specific context of financial information disclosed at general pay claim references, making use of two case studies in which a relatively high degree of information was made available.
Law commentary case report
Authors: Shrubsall Vivien
Published: July 2007

Two recent cases have shown that legislative provisions operating in the context of trade union membership rights do not give as extensive a protection as was thought to exist.
Book Reviews
Authors: Mackie Karl
Published: July 2007

Book reviews in this article:

UNEMPLOYMENT: CAUSE AND CURE Patrick Minford

BRITAIN CAN WORK Ian Gilmour

THE SOCIAL ORGANISATION OF INDUSTRIAL CONFLICT: WORKER RESISTANCE IN THE WORKPLACE P. K. Edwards and Hugh Scullion

MANAGING INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Mick Marchington

MANAGERS IN FOCUS: THE BRITISH MANAGER IN THE EARLY 1980s Michael Poole

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LABOUR PROCESS IN CAPITALIST SOCIETIES Craig R. Littler

THE MODERNIZATION OF SOVIET INDUSTRIAL MANAGEMENT William J. Conyngham

THE SOCIALIST CORPORATION AND TECHNOCRATIC POWER Jean Woodhall
The miners and new technology
Authors: Burns Alan , Feickert Dave , Newby Martin , Winterton Jonathan
Published: July 2007

In this article the authors develop a theoretical framework for the analysis of issues raised by the new technology and report on research undertaken for the NUM into automation in coal mining. Alternative strategies are introduced which may be considered by the NUM to cope with new technology in the pits.
Democracy and trade unions*
Authors: Urwin Harry
Published: July 2007

In the context of the current debate over the Government's proposals to regulate by statute the internal democratic arrangements of trade unions, this article examines the origins of the debate, the case for legislative intervention, the actual proposals and their wider implications.
The significance of trade unions in China*
Authors: Littler Craig R. , Lockett Martin
Published: July 2007

Against the background of the rise (and fall) of Solidarity in Poland this article examines the nature of communist trade unions, focusing on their development in China and emphasising the need to use a different approach from that appropriate to capitalist societies.
Multi‐unionism in the fire service
Authors: Swabe A. I. R.
Published: July 2007

The fire service would seem to an outsider an excellent area for industrial unionism; several unions exist but only the major union, the FBU, is a TUC affiliate. This article analyses the problems that have led to conflict between the representative organisations within the uniformed ranks of fire service employees.
Hours of work ‐ who controls and how?
Authors: Lee Bob
Published: July 2007

Flexible hours systems are traditionally regarded as shifting control towards employees although British Rail's ‘flexible rostering’ is correctly seen as increasing management control of the pattern of hours worked. This article discusses such systems in their industrial relations context and considers the potential for a ‘split control’ approach.
Pay reference arbitration and the disclosure of information
Authors: Towers Brian , Wright Mike
Published: July 2007

This is the second of two articles which bring together two aspects of industrial relations: the practice of arbitration and the disclosure of financial information at general pay claim references. This article reports and discusses the findings of a mailed questionnaire survey of ACAS arbitrators and offers some general conclusions.
The advisory function of ACAS ‐ a preliminary appraisal of the advisory visit
Authors: Armstrong Eric
Published: July 2007

Of the services provided by ACAS, the advisory side has attracted least attention from industrial relations commentators. Here the authors present the findings of a pilot study of one form of ACAS advisory activity—the advisory visit.
Industrial relations in Denmark: problems and perspectives*
Authors: Gill Colin
Published: July 2007

Most studies on Scandinavian industrial relations have inevitably focused on Sweden, and little has so far been written on Danish industrial relations[1]. This article highlights the similarities and differences between the Danish system and the ‘Swedish model’, and examines some of the current issues in Danish industrial relations.
Employee participation: some problems for some shop stewards
Authors: Marchington Mick
Published: July 2007

It is often felt that shop stewards experience a variety of problems through their role in systems of employee participation. Here the authors report on research which illustrates the stewards' fears and concerns, and show that these may vary from one workplace to another.
The reform of collective bargaining and strike activity in BL cars 1976–1982
Authors: Willman Paul
Published: July 2007

Changes at BL after the Ryder Report were intended to assist the company's economic recovery and to help solve the perceived ‘strike problem’. This article argues that one consequence of reform was to change the pattern of conflict at BL into one which more closely resembles that of the industry as a whole.
Civil servant and trade union member: a conflict of loyalties?
Authors: Corby Susan
Published: July 2007

Here the author looks at the dual role of senior civil servant and trade union member and the conflicts of loyalty which may arise now that their union, the FDA, has taken strike action and become involved in campaigns against government policies for the first time.
Labour relations decision making within multinational corporations
Authors: Hamill Jim
Published: July 2007

The extent of parent company involvement in subsidiary level industrial relations varies widely among different multinational corporations. This study examines the procedures adopted in a sample survey of thirty foreign‐owned MNCs operating in the UK and the reasons for such inter‐firm variations.
Flags of convenience and maritime labour
Authors: Hannigan John
Published: July 2007

One of the few industrial areas where extensive transnational bargaining has occurred is the international transport trade. This article reviews the progress made by the ITF in organising workers aboard ships plying an international trade and analyses the problems and future prospects for collective bargaining.
Internal labour market processes
Authors: Ford Janet , Keil Teresa , Bryman Alan , Beardsworth Alan
Published: July 2007

This article focuses upon internal labour market processes and reviews current theoretical and empirical material. In reporting two recent studies which indicate the variety of internal processes the authors offer some explanations for such developments, in particular their relevance to issues of managerial control.
The incidence of dismissals in British manufacturing industries
Authors: Deaton David
Published: July 2007

Although the question of unfair dismissal has received considerable attention there has been a comparative neglect of the use made by employers of the dismissal sanction per se. This article seeks to explain variations in the rate of disciplinary dismissals using a large survey of manufacturing establishments in Britain.
Trade union education: its past and future
Authors: Smith Tony
Published: July 2007

In this article the author examines how the TUC Education Service was established and assesses the achievements of its regional scheme in meeting the educational needs of trade unionists. The focus is on the problems of conflict and compromise over provision, together with the relationship between educational institutions, the state and trade unions.
The implications of the Messenger Newspaper Group dispute
Authors: Gennard John
Published: July 2007

This article traces the origins and development of the dispute between the Messenger Newspaper Group and the NGA (1982), including the use of the Employment Acts by the company. It then goes on to discuss the wider implication of the dispute for UK industrial relations.
Industrial relations, new technology and divisions within the workforce
Authors: Clark Jon
Published: July 2007

Discussions of industrial relations and new technology often treat employers and employees as homogeneous groups. This article, based on a study of the introduction of electronic news gathering equipment into an independent television company, suggests that new technology can be a source of conflict and rivalry between different sections of the workforce.
Management buyouts and trade unions: dispelling the myths*
Authors: Wright Mike
Published: July 2007

The transfer of ownership of companies to their management has become a prevalent feature of British industry over the last five years. Anecdotal evidence has suggested that this has often provided the opportunity for the removal of trade unions from the workplace. The results of this comprehensive survey of management‐buyouts suggests that this view is misplaced.
Culture and workplace industrial relations: a Nigerian study
Authors: Ahiauzu Augustine
Published: July 2007

Although much interest is being directed towards the study of cultural influences on management and organisation, little attention is given to the effect of these influences on workplace industrial relations. This article reports the findings of a study based on two textile factories from the Hausa and two from the Ibo cultural groups in Nigeria.
Industrial relations and society: the Hong Kong case
Authors: Sek‐Hong Ng
Published: July 2007

The transient character of Hong Kong has prevented a stable class structure from crystallising locally. This article examines the industrial relations implications of the structural and normative features, focusing on the future and how its political uncertainties have constrained both the labour administration and the union movement in their choice of policy.
Industrial efficiency and the West German worker
Authors: Lane Tony
Published: July 2007

British industrial performance and the attitudes of workers have been unfavourably compared with Germany for more than 100 years. Much has been made of non‐militant German workers, implying a deep‐rooted psychology which harmonises the interests of workers and employers. This article argues that West German workers are as sceptical of employers' motivations as their British counterparts.
Maintenance workers and new technology: the case of Longbridge
Authors: Scarbrough Harry
Published: July 2007

The introduction of new technology at BL's Longbridge plant was accompanied by changes in organisation and practice of maintenance workers. This article examines the management policies behind such changes, and the dynamic relationship between technology, skill and managerial initiative in their implementation.
Multinational closure and the case of Massey‐Ferguson, Kilmarnock
Authors: Henderson Simon
Published: July 2007

Here the authors examine the reasons underlying the closure of a large manufacturing plant of a multinational corporation, the mechanics of that closure and the apparent inability of conventional bargaining and industrial relations practices to alter the course of events.
Recent trends in collective bargaining in Nigeria
Authors: Oribabor Patrick
Published: July 2007

During the 1970s Nigerian industrial relations moved away from the voluntarist tradition into much greater formalisation of processes and practices. This article describes the present structure and scope of collective bargaining in Nigeria in the light of this development.
Engineering their future: developments in the organisation of British professional engineers
Authors: McLoughlin Ian
Published: July 2007

Despite growing interest in professional unions, little attention has been given to the professional organisation of these employees. This article explores the relationship between professional and union organisation among a strategically important group — professional engineers.
The turnover and continuity of safety representatives*
Authors: Leopold John
Published: July 2007

The role and activities of union safety representatives have been recognised as of considerable significance in British industrial relations. This study arose from one union's concern — the GMBATU — that the impact of the economic recession would be to lower the priority attached to health and safety at the place of work and to increase the turnover of safety representatives.
Law commentary: Three faces of democracy and three missing persons: the Trade Union Act 1984
Authors: Mackie Karl
Published: July 2007

The Conservative government described the 1984 Trade Union Act as a piece of legislation to ‘give the unions back to their members'. This article examines the concept of democracy present in the Act and analyses its implications for trade unions and industrial relations.
Industrial relations in British local government
Authors: Ingham Mike
Published: July 2007

Local government is at present the subject of much criticism and legislative attention. Unfortunately the debate centres more around emotion than factually based reason. This article presents new survey findings on remuneration and industrial action in the sector which has good and bad news for supporters and opponents alike.
The measurement of trade union membership in Ireland and the UK
Authors: Walsh Kenneth
Published: July 2007

The interwoven history and development of unions in the UK and Ireland has produced statistics which cause acute problems of comparability. Here the author attempts to clarify the situation with discussion of information sources available on unions and their membership in the two countries.
Brigade organisation and industrial relations strategy in Bulgaria, 1978–83
Authors: Thirkell John
Published: July 2007

This article aims to show how the brigade form of work organisation has become an integral part of industrial relations strategy in Bulgaria; how the brigade system operates; and how it relates to other aspects of industrial relations strategy.
Power in industrial relations research
Authors: Kirkbride Paul
Published: July 2007

Power is a concept which is much discussed but seldom properly understood, not least in industrial relations theorising. Here the author outlines the role of power in the context of several recent studies which have focused explicitly on the concept of power in industrial relations.
book reviews
Authors: Mackie Karl
Published: July 2007

THE ART OF JAPANESE MANAGEMENT Richard Tanner Pascale and Anthony G. Athos

WHY HAS JAPAN ‘SUCCEEDED’? WESTERN TECHNOLOGY AND THE JAPANESE ETHOS Michio Morishima

UNDER JAPANESE MANAGEMENT: THE EXPERIENCE OF BRITISH WORKERS Michael White and Malcolm Trevor

SCHOOLING FOR THE DOLE? THE NEW VOCATIONALISM Inge Bates, John Clarke, Philip Cohen, Dan Finn, Robert Moore and Paul Willis
Posing larger questions: the British miners’ strike of 1984–85
Authors: Towers Brian
Published: July 2007

The miners’ strike was the longest and most significant dispute in modern British industrial history. The conflict provided a vivid case study of the rationales and processes of capitalism and liberal democracy in the closing decades of this century. This article is an assessment of the important issues raised by the dispute.
Trade union recognition and the recession in the UK
Authors: Beaumont Phil
Published: July 2007

Against a background of falling union density and the increased presence of non‐union plants and firms in the UK, this paper reviews union attempts to obtain recognition in recent years. Particular attention is paid to the use of conciliation for this purpose, with the evidence indicating a considerable decline in union success.
The entry to self‐employment of redundant steelworkers
Authors: Lee Raymond M.
Published: July 2007

The British Steel Corporation's ‘slimline’ plan of 1980 halved the workforce at the Port Talbot plant in South Wales. This article reports the findings of a three stage sample survey from 1981 to 1982 of the work experiences of those who became self‐employed following redundancy.
Management style and large scale survey evidence
Authors: Deaton David
Published: July 2007

In this article supposed differences in the way industrial relations is managed are examined in the light of evidence from the 1980 Workplace Industrial Relations Survey. The author, in considering the Survey's classification of management styles, finds little evidence to support the belief in distinctive differences in the way industrial relations is conducted.
Equal pay for work of equal value: a comment on Hayward v Cammell Laird
Authors: Jefferson Michael
Published: July 2007

This was the first successful case under the recently introduced law relating to equal pay for work of equal value. The case of Neil v Ford, also discussed, counterbalances Hayward. The cases illustrate that some managements and unions are ill‐prepared for the consequences of modern industrial legislation. Both cases may have substantial repercussions for industrial relations.
book reviews
Authors: Mackie Karl
Published: July 2007

WAGE RESTRAINT BY CONSENSUS: BRITAIN'S SEARCH FOR AN INCOMES POLICY AGREEMENT, 1965–79 Warren H. Fishbein

CONSENT AND EFFICIENCY: LABOUR RELATIONS AND MANAGEMENT IN THE STATE ENTERPRISE E. Batstone, A. Ferner and M. Terry

INDUSTRIAL DEMOCRACY AT SEA Edited by Robert Schrank

PARTICIPATION AND INDUSTRIAL DEMOCRACY: THE SHOPFLOOR VIEW Paul Rathkey

SOLVING COSTLY ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS R. Blake and J. Mouton
Microelectronics, technological change and industrialised economies: an overview*
Authors: Warner Malcolm
Published: July 2007

This article presents an overview of how microelectronics affects industrialised economies, and specifically the world of work. It discusses first, the effect on organisation and markets; second, its employment consequences; and third, the implications for skills and training.
Technology and collective agreements: some recent Scandinavian developments
Authors: Gustavsen Bjørn
Published: July 2007

New technology and its effects on work and employment has been a major issue in Scandinavia for several years. This article evaluates progress made between employers and trade unions subsequent to legislation passed in the 1970s concerning co‐determination, the quality of working life and the work environment.
Company employment policies and new technology
Authors: Rothwell Sheila
Published: July 2007

Here the author presents case studies from a range of industries which illustrate the connection between new technology, and company personnel and manpower policies. Findings suggest that the form and direction of new technology is more likely to be affected by the company's employment policy rather than the reverse.
Computerised production and inventory control systems: some skill and employment implications
Authors: Senker Peter
Published: July 2007

New technology is being increasingly applied to the manufacturing area. This article, based on an extensive survey of twenty‐four British engineering firms, examines the skill and employment implications of computerised production and inventory control systems (CPICS).
Technology agreements in Great Britain: a survey 1977–83*
Authors: Williams Robin
Published: July 2007

Since 1979, the TUC has encouraged affiliated unions to control the direction and application of new technology in the workplace by the negotiation of new technology agreements with employers. This article, using a recent survey of 240 such agreements, examines the progress that trade unions have subsequently made.
New technology—what new jobs?
Authors: Gershuny Jonathan
Published: July 2007

Does technological innovation lead to an overall reduction in jobs? The literature of Kondratiev ‘long waves’ helps in understanding why the employment consequences of technical change may vary over time. This article applies the technique of ‘technological mapping’ in the context of ‘long wave’ arguments to indicate prospects for the longer term employment.
British and French shipbuilding: the industrial relations of decline
Authors: Stirling John , Bridgford Jeff
Published: July 2007

The merchant shipbuilding industry in Western Europe has been unable to withstand the pressure of overwhelming international competition. This article examines and contrasts the varying consequences of decline for the British and French industries.
Changing management strategies in industrial relations
Authors: Kinnie N. J.
Published: July 2007

How have employers responded to deteriorating economic conditions in their strategies for managing industrial relations? Here the author, using empirical data for 1977–83, discusses the changes taking place in management strategies and the rationales behind them.
Minimum wages and unemployment: the reform of the Wages Councils
Authors: Marshall G. P. , McCormick Brian
Published: July 2007

Government policy has fallen short of total abolition of wages councils. In this article the authors argue that whilst reforming the wages councils might result in young workers getting jobs at the expense of older workers there is no evidence to suggest that cutting adult wages will increase the level of employment.
Social networks in labour migration
Authors: Grieco Margaret
Published: July 2007

The Corby steelworks in Northamptonshire was run down in the late 1970s. This article examines the circulation of rumours within the works prior to the official redundancy notices and documents the role of social ties in the transmission of informal redundancy information.
Unfair dismissal legislation and property rights: some reflections
Authors: White P. J.
Published: July 2007

Starting from the premise that workers have ‘property rights’ in their jobs, this article considers ways in which British unfair dismissal legislation might be said to uphold such rights. The evidence indicates that remedies of compensation and re‐employment afford minimal property rights to unfairly dismissed workers.
Human resources in Singapore's second industrial revolution
Authors: Wilkinson Barry
Published: July 2007

A wide‐ranging set of ideologically‐inspired manpower policies with far‐reaching implications are associated with the Singapore government's ambitious programme of economic restructuring. This article describes and assesses the initiatives taken, analysing human resources development and management with reference to the unique social and political context
Trade union mergers and competition in British banking
Authors: Morris Timothy
Published: July 2007

This article examines union merger discussions in the clearing banks in relation to the model developed by Undy et al. ‘Emphasising the importance of ideological differences and the proposed distribution of power in the negotiations, it argues more stress be placed on internal political factors in explaining merger patterns.
Managing labour on a large construction site
Authors: Frenkel Stephen , Martin Graeme
Published: July 2007

Large construction sites are frequently characterised by industrial action and other labour problems. However, some companies have a consistently superior record in managing their labour relations. Here the authors examine the policy and practice of a joint venture composed of two such companies responsible for managing one of the largest sites in Australia.
The nature of the new joint consultation
Authors: Marchington Mick , Armstrong Roger
Published: July 2007

Drawing upon research conducted in thirteen organisations between 1980 and 1984, the authors illustrate, by the use of case studies, a range of developments in joint consultation. They specifically link their findings on consultation to other industrial relations activity and the nature of the product market in which the companies find themselves.
The ‘Japanisation’ of production and industrial relations at Lucas Electrical
Authors: Turnbull Peter J.
Published: July 2007

Depressed product markets and severe financial constraints have recently prompted many firms to reappraise their production methods and industrial relations structures. This article examines a new Japanese style’ module production system at Lucas Electrical which management introduced to boost labour productivity and improve product quality.
Personnel and paradigms: four perspectives on the future
Authors: Gowler Dan , Legge Karen
Published: July 2007

This article critically examines the emergent ‘consensus’ functionalist image of personnel management in the 1990s, contrasting it with potential images derived from other paradigmatic perspectives. The utility of the ‘consensus’ image in reinforcing personnel practitioners’ threatened power base is also discussed.
Book reviews
Authors: Mackie Karl
Published: July 2007

History and Heritage: The Social Origins of the British Industrial Relations System Alan Fox

Public Employment in Western Nations Richard Rose, (ed.)

The Sexual Division of Work: Conceptual Revolutions in the Social Sciences Shirley Dex

Changes in Working Time: An International Review Paul Blyton

Eight Hours for What We Will: Workers & Leisure in An Industrial City, 1870–1920 Roy Rozenzweig

The Economic Organisation of War Communism 1918–1921 Silvana Malle
Trade union political funds: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Leopold John W.
Published: July 2007

This article examines the results of the political fund review ballots required under the 1984 Trade Union Act. It contradicts the pessimistic predications with the 100 per cent success and examinès the reasons for this. Balloting methods are analysed and workplace ballots are found to be more democratic than postal ballots, without influencing the outcome
Economic Democracy: are the trade unions equipped?
Authors: Lane Tony
Published: July 2007

Recent policy statements from the TUC and the Labour Party announce an ambitious and radical programme for democratising economic life—but do the trade unions have the organisational competence and the motivation to carry this through?
Final Offer Arbitration in theory and practice
Authors: Singh Ramsumair
Published: July 2007

This article examines the theoretical foundations of Final Offer Arbitration (FOA). The use of arbitration in Britain is compared with other types of third party intervention, and the strengths and weaknesses of FOA are critically examined and compared with conventional arbitration. It is concluded that FOA has much to commend it, both in theory and in practice, and is particularly suitable for ‘disputes of interest’.
The development of skilled work in the British coal mining industry, 1870–1985
Authors: Penn Roger , Simpson Rob
Published: July 2007

Here the trajectory of manual work in the British coal mining industry since the late nineteenth century is examined in relation to five sociological models of development of modern skilled work. Each of the models is examined in the four main phases of the labour process in coal mining.
Beating the off‐side trap: the case of the Professional Footballer's Association
Authors: Dabscheck Braham
Published: July 2007

Notwithstanding the crisis that has engulfed English football in the last decade the players’ union, the Professional Footballers’ Association, has improved the economic welfare of professional footballers. This article documents the activities of the PFA focusing on its cooperative relationship with the Football League following changes to the retain and transfer system in 1978.
Book Reviews
Authors: Mackie Karl
Published: July 2007

A Bibliography of British Industrial Relations 1971–1979 G.S. Bain, J.D. Bennett

Industrial Relations: an International and Comparative Bibliography John Bennett and Julian Fawcett

Employee Relations Bibliography and Abstracts Arthur Marsh

Innovation and the Auto Industry: Product, Process and Work Organization R. Whipp and P. Clark

Trade Unions and Politics Ken Coates and Tony Topham

Just Managing: Authority and Democracy in Industry Peter Cressey, John Eldridge and John MacInnes

Women Managers: Travellers in a Male World Judi Marshall

A Development Programme for Women in Management Mike Smith, Kay Smith Eddie Wood, Lynne Davidson, Sandra Langrish and Christine Mogridge

The Social History of Occupational Health Paul Weindling (ed.)
Strikes on Merseyside: A Regional Analysis*
Authors: Bean Ron , Stoney Peter
Published: July 2007

In this article the authors use detailed strike statistics to analyse Merseyside's reputation as an area with a high strike propensity. They conclude that this reputation is exaggerated and that the present contraction of male‐dominated employment could reduce strike activity further.
Mediation in industrial disputes in Britain
Authors: Singh Ramsumair
Published: July 2007

This article presents an overview of mediation in industrial disputes, and examines the British experience of using this form of third‐party intervention since the establishment of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service in 1974. The Author concludes that there is scope for the development of mediation in dealing with particular types of industrial disputes.
Pay bargaining and management strategy in the National Health Service
Authors: Leopold John W , Beaumont P B
Published: July 2007

Within the NHS the traditional Whitley system of public sector bargaining has been dramatically altered by financial constraints and the increasing influence of central government. Here the authors outline the erosion of Whitleyism in the NHS and discuss its consequences.
Against the trend: trade union growth in Northern Ireland
Authors: Black Boyd
Published: July 2007

This paper analyses the dimensions and determinants of trade union growth in Northern Ireland. Aggregate membership, mostly in Great Britain‐based unions, has grown more rapidly than the UK average in recent decades, largely due to a massive shift of employment into public sector services, where trade union density is higher.
Book Reviews
Authors: Mackie Karl
Published: July 2007

Ballots and Trade Union Democracy: Roger Undy and Roderick Morton,

Innovation and Management Control: Labour Relations at BL Cars: Paul Willman and Graham Winch,

Dismissed: A Study of Unfair Dismissal and the Industrial Tribunal System: L. Dickens, M. Jones, B. Weekes and M. Hart.

The Law of Unfair Dismissal (2nd Edition): Steven D. Anderman,

Unions and Economic Crisis: Britain, West Germany and Sweden: P. Gourevitch, A. Martin, G. Ross, S. Bornstein, A. Markovits and C. Allen. Allen and Unwin

Skilled Workers in the Class Structure: Roger Penn,

Capitalism, Class Conflict and the New Middle Class: Robert Carter, Routledge and Kegan Paul,

Managing Workforce Reduction: M. Cross (ed), Groom Helm,

Redundancy in the 1980s: A. Gordon, Gower,

Industrial Relations and the Law in the 1980s: Issues and Future Trends: Patricia Fosh and Craig R. Littler (eds),

Fighting Closures: De‐industrialization and the Trade Unions 1979–83: Hugo Levie, Denis Gregory and Nick Lorentzen (Eds.)

The Awkward Warrior, Frank Cousins: His Life and Times: Geoffrey Goodman,
Collaboration or Conflict? Strike Activity in Northern Ireland*
Authors: Black Boyd
Published: July 2007

On the basis of strike statistics it has been argued that Northern Ireland has a more harmonious industrial relations climate than Great Britain. Here the author compares its strike pattern with that of the UK as a whole and explains why Northern Ireland should be seen as a relatively strike prone region.
Health and safety and trade union workplace organization—a case study in the printing industry
Authors: Walters David
Published: July 2007

Here the author looks at the implementation of the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations in the printing industry. In discussing the relationship between trade union organisation and the joint regulation of health and safety at work, he concludes that leaving health and safety to joint regulation was based on an assumption of trade union power. Wim this power diminished the Regulations have had only limited effect.
Job control after reform: a case study in British engineering
Authors: Bélanger Jacques
Published: July 2007

The reform of workplace labour relations in Great Britain generally had limited effects on job control. Drawing from case study material, this article analyses the interaction between the technical and social factors accounting for job control. The study of these underlying forces indicates many of the limitations of institutional reform.
Fleet Street moves on: a managerial perspective
Authors: Oram Steve
Published: July 2007

Industrial relations in the national newspaper industry are in a state of flux. Structural changes, in particular those of technology, make it likely that the shift in bargaining power in favour of employers is largely irreversible.
Lessons from Down‐Under: conciliation and arbitration in Australia*
Authors: Mackie Karl J.
Published: July 2007

At a time of increased interest in arbitration, this article provides a review of the Australian system of compulsory arbitration. It outlines the structure and processes of the Australian federal system, the current tensions within it, and some lessons for the UK.
The industrial relations practices of multi‐plant foreign owned firms
Authors: Purcell John , Marginson Paul , Edwards Paul , Sisson Keith
Published: July 2007

Data from a survey of 143 enterprises indicates that foreign‐owned firms are likely to devote more resources to, and be more advanced in, modern human resource management techniques while being similar in the extent to which unions are recognised for collective bargaining.
The mid‐life crisis of the American labor movement
Authors: Miller Ronald
Published: July 2007

Although the US labor movement remains an important part of the nation's organized economic and political life it is now struggling to reverse its decline in power and membership. In this article the author identifies factors explaining this decline and its implications for American labor. This contribution continues the debate begun by Michael Piore in Vol 17 No 3 Autumn 1986.
Lessons from Ireland: arbitrating dismissal disputes
Authors: Newman Rhona
Published: July 2007

In the UK there has been increasing concern about the growing ‘legalism’ of the Industrial Tribunal System. An alternative is the system in the Republic of Ireland which uses a ‘Rights Commissioner’ under a ‘regulated arbitration’ system. This article examines the lessons to be drawn from Ireland and their relevance to reform in the UK.
Miners and militancy: a study of branch union leadership
Authors: Rigg Paul
Published: July 2007

This article examines two explanations of militancy prominent during the 1984/85 British miners' strike, both of which focused on the importance of union leadership. Here the author reports the findings of a comparative study of ‘militant’ and ‘moderate’ union leadership at two otherwise similar collieries.
Are there industrial relations sub‐models?
Authors: Krislov Joseph
Published: July 2007

This article explores patterns of industrial relations throughout the world, and hypothesizes that there are three basic sub‐models: the developed capitalist, the communist, and the semi‐developed capitalist sub‐model. All have analytical rigor and predictive possibilities, and can be utilized and tested.
Freedom of association or right to organise?
Authors: Wedderburn Lord
Published: July 2007

Freedom to organise is a liberty fundamental to labour relations. But international experience shows that the adoption into our law of the ‘right to freedom of association’ in the European Convention on Human Rights would not necessarily strengthen a positive right to organize in trade unions.
Selective perception, unions and organisational change
Authors: Beaumont Phil
Published: July 2007

This article uses a large scale body of survey data to investigate the proposition that reported management perceptions of the extent to which unions constitute a constraint on organisational change will vary systematically according to certain personal and organisational characteristics. The resulting evidence of selective perception has a number of implications for survey work that seeks attitudinal based responses to questions, particularly from a single management respondent per employment establishment.
Job creation initiatives in the UK: the large company role
Authors: Mason Colin
Published: July 2007

In recent years many large companies – mainly those making large scale redundancies – have made efforts to stimulate job creation in the localities in which they are based. Although this has succeeded in helping to create jobs, it has been criticised, prompting major sponsors of such initiatives to consider how job creation strategies can be made more effective.
Book reviews
Authors: Mackie Karl
Published: July 2007

Book reviewed in this article:

The Decline of Trade Union Organisation, P.B. Beaumont

Improving Industrial Relations – the Advisory Role of ACAS, Eric Armstrong and Rosemary Lucas

The State of the Unions, Barrie Sherman

The Trade Unions and the Labour Party, Andrew J. Taylor

New Technology at Work, Arthur Francis

Dictionnaire Canadiert des Relations du Travail, Gérard Dion

Socialist Enterprise: Reclaiming the Economy, Diana Gilhespy, Ken Jones, Tony Manwaring, Henry Neuburger, Adam Sharpies
The Japanisation of British industry?
Authors: Ackroyd S. , Burrell G. , Hughes M. , Whitaker A.
Published: July 2007

This article seeks to clarify the meaning of ‘Japanisation’ in the British economic context, and distinguishes at least three variants: direct, mediated and permeated or full. It is argued that a more satisfactory analysis needs to take account of the interrelationships between economic structures, economic systems, organisational units and employment practices.
The who, why and where of Japanese manufacturing investment in the UK
Authors: Morris Jonathan
Published: July 2007

This paper analyses the recent growth of Japanese manufacturing investment in the UK, focusing upon the type of companies that are being created.
The Japanese example in South West Birmingham
Authors: Smith Dennis
Published: July 2007

This article considers the relationship between the Rover Group and Honda, and examines the wide‐ranging changes the company is making, particularly in the area of employee involvement.
Corporate power and the local economy
Authors: Crowther Stuart , Garrahan Philip
Published: July 2007

This article examines Nissan in Sunderland as the model for ‘Japanisation’. It is addressed in terms of Nissan's relations with the central and local state, of the company's control over its physical environment, and suppliers, and of the company's policy towards the management of human resources.
Japanisation as mythology
Authors: Graham Ian
Published: July 2007

Manufacturing management texts describe ‘just‐in‐time’ production as an innovative paradigm for manufacturing control, originally developed in Japan, which when implemented by Western companies will enable them to remain internationally competitive. This article describes how manufacturing techniques observed in Japan have been radically modified to suit Western organisations, and discusses the significance of continuing to describe them as ‘Japanese’.
Strikes in Scotland
Authors: Jackson Michael P.
Published: July 2007

Historically Scotland has been seen as more strike prone than the UK although changes have taken place in recent years. This article looks at strike trends between 1965 and 1985 and examines a number of possible explanations for them.
The problem of riches: from trade boards to a national minimum wage
Authors: Blackburn Sheila
Published: July 2007

This article explores why, despite repeated shifts in the attitude of friends and enemies alike, wages councils (formerly trade boards) have survived for over seventy years. It examines their value and limitations, and considers the need for more wide‐ranging regulation to tackle the problem of poverty wages in the midst of affluence.
Why profit related pay will fail
Authors: Duncan Colin
Published: July 2007

Here the author discusses the concept of profit related pay and assesses the practical implications of recent measures to promote this method of payment in Britain through tax relief. The new initiative, it is argued, is unsound in concept and design and unlikely to meet stated objectives.
The impact of trade unionism and the market in a regional newspaper
Authors: Smith Paul
Published: July 2007

Initiatives by a regional newspaper to affect changes in work organisation are analysed in terms of the changing market for newspapers and the constraint of the power of the NGA. An incremental strategy has achieved managerial goals without the exclusion of the NGA from its representative role.
Consultation, conciliation and politics in the British coal industry
Authors: Taylor Andrew J.
Published: July 2007

Here the author analyses British Coal's strategy for the institutionalisation of the proposed conciliation scheme formulated to take into account the emergence of the UDM. NUM/UDM relations since 1985 are also examined as are British Coal's policies towards the two.
Ideology or pragmatism? trade union education in France and Britain
Authors: Bridgford Jeff , Stirling John
Published: July 2007

Trade union education–a significant area of trade union activity – has been characterised by a tension between the desire to provide a certain ideological, economic and political perspective and the need to develop pragmatic bargaining skills. This comparative study examines the differing ways in which trade union education has developed in France and Britain.
Pendulum arbitration: a modest experiment
Authors: Wood Sir John
Published: July 2007

The annual round of the settlement of disputed transfer fees gave an opportunity for a modest attempt to access the impact of pendulum arbitration, Previous years had clearly indicated the centrifugal impact of arbitration. It appears that pendulum arbitration improves this but at the expense of one side: the club losing the player.
Trends and developments in industrial relations law The Employment Act 1988
Authors: Mackie Karl J
Published: July 2007

An outline of the provisions of the latest step in the government's ‘step‐by‐step’ approach to control of union power
Japanisation: a lack of chemical reaction
Authors: Marchington Mick , Parker Philip
Published: July 2007

It should not be assumed that the Japanisation of British industry is taking place merely because of some similarities in contemporary practice. Drawing on evidence from the chemical industry, the authors illustrate how the development of industrial relations may owe more to tradition than to the influence of Japan
Working‐time reductions: a survey of the Australian experience
Authors: Mangan John , Steinke John
Published: July 2007

Since the mid‐1970s Australian trade unions have conducted a concerted campaign to reduce standard working hours. Part of the logic behind this was to increase employment opportunities for those currently unemployed. This article reviews the economic and industrial relations implications of that campaign by reference to the major studies undertaken in this area and compares them with those from other countries.
Trends and developments in industrial relations and industrial relations law: Trade union discipline and non‐strikers
Authors: Gennard John , Steele Mairi , Miller Kenneth
Published: July 2007

Perhaps the most controversial change introduced in the 1988 Employment Act was the statutory right given to union members not to be disciplined by their unions for continuing to work during lawful industrial action approved by a majority in a secret ballot. Here the authors examine the legal contexts, implications for trade unions and the wider industrial relations and political significance of this important new right.
The Canadian Charter, freedom of association and labour relations
Authors: Khan Andy
Published: July 2007

This article examines the impact of the Canadian constitution, which provides some general fundamental rights, on industrial relations, and concludes that a written constitution encourages judicial legislation to the detriment of workers and their unions.