ABSTRACT

Examining the experiences of leadership among trade unionists in a range of unions and labor movements around the world, this volume addresses perspectives of women and men from a range of identities such as race/ethnicity, sexuality, and age. It analyses existing models of leadership in various political organizational forms, especially trade unions, but also including business and management approaches, leadership forms which arise from fields such as community, pedagogy, and the third sector.

This book analyzes and critiques concepts, expectations, and experiences of union leaders and leadership in labor organizations, while comparing gender and cultural perspectives. Contributors to the volume draw on empirical research to identify key ideas, beliefs and experiences which are critical to achieving change, setting up resistance, and transforming the inertia of traditionalism.

chapter 1|26 pages

A Diverse Trade Union Leadership

Complexity, Contradictions, Continuity and Change

chapter 2|20 pages

Gendered Leadership in Australian Unions in the Process of Strategic Renewal

Instrumental, Transformative or Post-Heroic?

chapter 3|20 pages

Gender and Union Leadership

A Force Field Analysis

chapter 4|24 pages

Women Leaders Riding the Whirlwind

Leadership and Gender In/Equality in the Danish Labour Movement

chapter 6|21 pages

Flexible Production and Flexible Women

The Story of Union Leader Alice

chapter 7|24 pages

Merit, Individualism and Solidarity

Revisiting the Democratic Deficit in Union Women's Leadership

chapter 8|19 pages

Rethinking Organising and Leadership

Lessons from Non-Traditional, Women-Centred, Labour Campaigns in New York City

chapter 9|21 pages

Out from a ‘Deep, Dark Forest'

Women Leaders as Learners in Eastern and Western European Trade Unions

chapter 10|20 pages

Developing and Globalising Women's Union Leadership via a Cross-National Exchange Programme

Gill Kirton, Geraldine Healy, Sally Alvarez, Mary Gatta, Risa Lieberwitz and Heather McKay

chapter 12|20 pages

Breaking through the Union Glass Ceiling in France

Between Organisational Opportunities and Individual Resources

chapter 14|18 pages

Still Facing Discrimination

Impediments to Women's Representation in Belgian Trade Unions