Black self-organization in trade unions

Virdee, S. and Grint, K. (1994) Black self-organization in trade unions. Sociological Review, 42(2), pp. 202-226. (doi: 10.1111/j.1467-954X.1994.tb00088.x)

Abstract

This paper considers the significance of self-organization for black and minority workers in trade unions. It embodies a review of the theoretical and empirical evidence in support of black self-organization within unions; that is, a strategy of relative autonomy rather than separatism or submersion within a race-blind union. The theoretical support is derived from arguments concerning identity, participation and power. Much of the empirical material is based upon interviews with black and white lay members and shop stewards from three branches (‘Helthten’, ‘Shaften’ and ‘Mounten’) of the National and Local Government Officers union (NALGO) and with NALGO national officials between 1989 and 1990.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Virdee, Professor Satnam
• Authors: Virdee, S., and Grint, K.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Sociology Anthropology and Applied Social Sciences
• Journal Name: Sociological Review
• Publisher: Blackwell Publishers
• ISSN: 0038-0261
• ISSN (Online): 1467-954X