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Do trade unions still matter in the UK?
Sep 5, 2024
Trade union membership in the UK has significantly declined over the past forty years, sparking debates on their relevance today. The hosts explore the historical rise and fall of unions, especially under Thatcher's policies. They analyze current strike tactics and their effectiveness, comparing today’s public sector wage strikes to those of the 1970s. The discussion also covers the evolving role of unions in advocating for workers' rights amid gig economy challenges, spotlighting recent successes in negotiations for better pay and conditions.
31:24
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Quick takeaways
- Trade union membership in the UK has halved over the last forty years, diminishing their power and political influence significantly.
- Modern trade unions are adapting their strategies, focusing on shorter, more strategic strikes and addressing broader workplace issues in the gig economy.
Deep dives
Decline of Trade Union Membership
Trade union membership in the UK has declined significantly over the past few decades, falling from a peak of 13.2 million in 1979 to below 7 million today. This drop represents a decline from 32% of employees being union members in the mid-1990s to just 22% in recent years. The changing landscape of employment has contributed to this trend, as unions have less influence in the smaller, more numerous private sector companies compared to the larger nationalized industries of the past. Consequently, the overall power and political influence of trade unions have diminished considerably since their peak in the 1970s.
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