The Persistence of Union Membership within the Coalfields of Britain. (2nd February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Beynon, Huw; Blakely, Helen; Bryson, Alex; Davies, Rhys
• Is Part Of: British journal of industrial relations. Volume 59:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 1131
• Page End: 1152
• Publication Date: 2021-02-02
• Subjects: Industrial relations -- Periodicals; 331
• DOI: 10.1111/bjir.12588
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1080

Abstract

Abstract: Spatial variance in union membership has been attributed to the favourable attitudes that persist in areas with an historical legacy of trade unionism. Within the United Kingdom, villages and towns located in areas once dominated by coalmining remain among the strongest and most durable bases for the trade union movement. This article empirically examines the effect of living within or near these areas upon union membership. Those residing in ex‐mining areas retain an increased propensity for union membership. However, this effect diminishes sharply with distance. The analysis reveals that particular places can serve as conduits of trade unionism, long after employment within traditional industries has vanished.