ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that the union branches studied was considerable centralization of power at the level of branch officers. It suggests that an essential counter-balance to branch officer power is the development of an effective shop steward system providing a link with members in the workplace, alongside local union meetings. The chapter focuses on union structures at the level of the branch, and assess the degree to which these structures encourage or inhibit the participation of women members. It is maintained that while union structures have implications for the participation of all members, there are specific implications for the participation of women members. The chapter examines some of the debates concerning workplace trade unionism and describes the shop steward systems and union organizations at each of the hospitals in the research. Part-time working made attendance at steward training courses more difficult and women stewards tended to have more difficulties with management in taking time off for union work.
