All for One : Future of the Unions

"All for one, one for all" is an old adage of trade unionism.

This book asks whether, in the light of the decline of collective bargaining and trade union membership, Britain's unions need to refocus themselves to deal with the new individualism.

Philip Bassett and Alan Cave argue that trade unions are doomed if they continue to put the collective above the individual.

Using newly-published data, the authors conclude that the age of collective bargaining is drawing to a close.

Employers and employees are both moving towards individual contract negotiations.

Trade unions should adapt themselves towards servicing this new and increasing demand.

The authors also point to the instrumental demand for trade union membership and argue that, in a changing market, unions should redefine their role towards the provision of services demanded by members and should learn from ever-expanding organizations such as the Automobile Association and BUPA.