Institutional Sclerosis: Prospects for Trade Union Transformation

Abstract

Australian unions have been talking crisis for ten years as union density has declined Discussion of the institutional character and culture of unions and their capacity to meet the current crisis are important aspects of an essential transformation. This article weighs several aspects of unions' institutional character and capacity for change: democracy; the traditions of solidarity; and dominant organisational cultures. The paper specifically focuses upon the nature of Australian unions as institutions in the last decade of this century, and asks what characteristics assist or impede the necessary cultural transformation of unions. Along with labour movements in other countries, Australian unions face many challenges in remaking themselves, and some unions and unionists are meeting these better than others. A clearer understanding of the necessary scope and direction of change, and more effective habits of democracy, solidarity and organisational administration and management are critical to improved prospects for Australian unions.