Are Trade Unions Still Relevant?

Book excerpt: This edited collection examines the relevance of trade unions 100 years on from the 1913 Lockout in Dublin. The general argument underpinning the papers in this book is that trade unions are still relevant in the 21st century, since they provide an independent collective representation for workers and address the power imbalance between the worker and employer. All of the chapter authors are based at the Department of Personnel and Employment Relations, Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick. The chapters are grouped under three broad headings: The demand for trade unions in the 21st century; partnership at work and the legal context of union recognition; and case studies dealing with union organising and recognition campaigns This book provides a focus on an area not covered in any detailed way by any comparable text book.It will be of interest to undergraduates and postgraduates in the area of employment relations and to practioners such as trade union officials and human resource managers.In addition it will be of interest to a wider body of academics internationally who wish to understand trade unions in Ireland for comparative purposes.