Focusing or Fragmenting Representation at Work?

Focusing or Fragmenting Representation at Work? reflects on how existing forms of workplace representation have changed in recent years and how new forms have developed. There is increasing interest in ‘fine-tuning’ representation, and in reflecting the complexity and nuances of specific groups of workers and themes at work such as equality, ecology, learning, and others. However, this study examines the extent of these developments and what they represent as innovative trade union roles. Chapters examine a wide range of highly prescient workplace issues, including:

• The changing role of the health and safety representative
• Equality representatives and new forms of trade union voice
• Learning, training and union representation
• Young workers in trade union revitalization
• ‘Green reps’ and the matter of ecological questions and politics

Focusing or Fragmenting Representation at Work? ends by reviewing the challenges and debates on new forms of trade union representation and raises proactive and thought provoking questions for academic researchers examining trade unions, industrial relations and the sociology of work, as well as current trade unionists and trade union representatives.

Featuring a balance of texts on the changing nature of and the history of trade union change and transformation, the series Trade Unionism gives space for in-depth, detailed analysis and captures key themes on the nature of internationalism and trade unionism.

Andy Hodder is a Reader in Employment Relations at Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham. Andy is a member of the Work Inclusivity Research Centre and the Organisation, Work and Employment group at Birmingham. Andy’s research examines contemporary trade unionism in a range of contexts. He has undertaken work on the relationship between young workers and unions, trade union use of social media, and union action, identity and purpose. He is joint chief editor of the journal, New Technology, Work and Employment. Previous books include Young Workers and Trade Unions: A Global View (with Lefteris Kretsos, 2015, Palgrave) and The Value of Industrial Relations: Contemporary Work and Employment in Britain (with Stephen Mustchin, 2024, Bristol).

Miguel Martínez Lucio is Professor at the University of Manchester, UK (Alliance Manchester Business School and the Work and Equalities Institute). He researches on the changing nature of industrial relations and trade unions, the role of the state and employment regulation, and the comparative study of work and employment across national contexts. Recent projects include the role of trade unions within economic campaigns, the nature of equality at work and its politics, and the changing nature of worker voice.