Union collective action, social movement unionism and worker freedom in New Zealand. (23rd March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: PARKER, Jane; ALAKAVUKLAR, Ozan
• Is Part Of: International labour review. Volume 162:Number 1(2023)
• Page Start: 147
• Page End: 170
• Publication Date: 2023-03-23
• Subjects: Freedom -- collective action -- trade unionism -- social movement -- worker rights -- New Zealand; Labor movement -- Periodicals; Labor laws and legislation -- Periodicals; 331.05
• DOI: 10.1111/ilr.12356
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7780

Abstract

Abstract : Freedom of association can include the right of labour unions to take collective action in the interest of their members. In this regard, it is presumed that unions increase worker freedom. However, there is little literature on how worker freedom as self‐actualization is linked to union collective action involving coalition‐building with civil society. This article uses the notions of freedom according to Berlin (1969) and MacCallum (1967) to assess the meaning of such coalition‐building for worker freedom. It then employs a radical democratic perspective (Laclau and Mouffe 2001) of union engagement with the Just Transition in New Zealand to explore how unions enhance worker freedom.