ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses research related to the impact of job insecurity on aspects of individual workers' union participation. It addresses the consequences of participation of unions in downsizing processes on the attitudes of workers towards these unions. The book contains contributions that analyse the consequences of job insecurity on all types of union participation. The attitudes can have important consequences for trade union participation, since they may trigger the willingness to participate. The attitudes of union members and non-members can also influence union politics. As a rule, unions respond to the demands and evaluations of members and non-members, since their aim is to promote the interests of workers. One of the important questions then, is whether unions will be blamed for their involvement, when the results of the restructuring process are less positive than expected or hoped for.
