ABSTRACT
This chapter is in two parts. The first part considers a number of classic and contemporary theories of trade unions and their behaviour. This draws mainly on theories and insights which have been derived from the long history of unions in advanced industrial countries. The second part sets these theories and insights against the historical and contemporary situation in such countries, drawing on readily available data. The intention is to provide background for the other chapters in this volume which consider unions in Asian countries. From the outset, however, it should be stated that the intention is not to impute Western notions to these countries, but rather to suggest a basis of ideas and comparisons.
