A new labour nightmare : the return of the awkward squad / Andrew Murray.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Murray, Andrew, 1958-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Labor unions--Political activity--Great Britain.

Labor unions.

Labor unions--Political activity.

Great Britain.

Physical Description:

x, 212 pages ; 20 cm

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

London ; New York : Verso, 2003.

Summary:

After a generation of retreat and decline, the trade unions are once more starting to command the public agenda and become a major force in political and social life. The bitter firefighters' dispute, following the major strikes by local government employees, railway and tube workers, is the most recent indication of this return. Another is the run of victories in union elections for left-wing candidates, including the sensational defeat of the leading Blairite in the trade union movement, Sir Ken Jackson, in the ballot for the leadership of amicus-AEEU, and the election of Tony Woodley to head the TGWU. These developments suggest the unions are emerging from a long period of slumber. At stake are not only the reigning industrial relations dogmas of recent years -- 'social partnership' and 'sweetheart deals' with employers -- but also the future of New Labour. The new union leaders are militant in promoting members' economic interests, and also support a radical political agenda, calling for both a halt to privatisation and voicing vociferous opposition to the Blair-Bush war. Now, as New Labour enters its seventh year in office, it faces new hostility, and open calls for the resignation of the Prime Minister.

Contents:

Part one: Resuming the forward march?

New labour, firefighters and war

The end of the magnificent journey

Looking back and looking ahead ? / Jack Jones and Ken Gill

Social partnership and Europe

Challenging new labour

Organising, equality and internationalism

Part two: Awkward voices

Changing the guard on planet Zog / Bob Crow, Heather Wakefield, Derek Simpson

Mick rix / Billy Hayes, Rozanne Foyer

The battle of Dolphin Square / Tony Woodley, Mark Serwotka

Conclusion : truth and order.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [201]-204) and index.

ISBN:

1859845525

OCLC:

52937759