By Becky Wright, Executive Director | 2 min
Previously at Unions 21, we have looked at the Changing World of Work , exploring the current changes in the labour market in the Uk and thinking about what this could mean to the future of unions.
What this work did was highlight that while some sectors and industries are declining, new sectors and industries are emerging. Labour market change may create challenges for unions, especially those whose membership base is drawn from declining industries/sectors. But equally, changes in the labour market within sectors and a union’s ability to adapt will be difficult.
The reality is that the survival and long term viability of the union movement may rest on its ability to organise and bargain in new and emerging sectors as well as adapting to new types of workers.
In our new union maturity model, we’ll be assessing how ready and able a union is with that adaptation and unions will be able to see for themselves where they stand.
Though, regardless of the impact on individual unions, we must be realistic that movement-wide plans to organise in emerging sectors will be vitally important. Without it, the power of our movement as a collective to speak and advocate on behalf of workers will be diminished.
Where does your union stand? Join us at Trade Union Renewal 2024 to see the model
