TY - JOUR

T1 - MacMillan’s Children

T2 - A Long View of Young Workers and Trade Unions

AU - Williams, Glynne

AU - Quinn, Martin

PY - 2014/3/31

Y1 - 2014/3/31

N2 - The challenge facing unions in recruiting younger workers is a comparatively recent concern, prompted by years of decline. As such, there is very little comparable discussion prior to the 1980s. This article takes a longer view. Using previously unpublished survey data from the early 1960s, we show that patterns of membership and attitudes to unions were more complex than headline figures might suggest. Specifically, we highlight areas of weakness associated with organising strategy at the time, and suggest some implications with subsequent trends. More generally, the data presents a unique insight into the lives of young workers in the early 1960s and their relationship with their trade unions.

AB - The challenge facing unions in recruiting younger workers is a comparatively recent concern, prompted by years of decline. As such, there is very little comparable discussion prior to the 1980s. This article takes a longer view. Using previously unpublished survey data from the early 1960s, we show that patterns of membership and attitudes to unions were more complex than headline figures might suggest. Specifically, we highlight areas of weakness associated with organising strategy at the time, and suggest some implications with subsequent trends. More generally, the data presents a unique insight into the lives of young workers in the early 1960s and their relationship with their trade unions.

U2 - 10.1111/irj.12048

DO - 10.1111/irj.12048

M3 - Journal article

VL - 45

SP - 137

EP - 152

JO - Industrial Relations Journal

JF - Industrial Relations Journal

SN - 0019-8692

IS - 2

ER -