In this paper we investigate trade union formation. To this end we apply a model with two types of labour where both groups decide on whether they prefer to be represented by either two independent craft-specific (professional) labour unions or by a joint (encompassing) labour union. Applying the asymmetric Nash bargaining solution, we find that it is beneficial for at least one group of labour...

This paper examines Foreign Direct Investment in the presence of labour unions. An oligopoly model is developed in which identical firms locate in a host country in order to export to a foreign country. These firms are unionised and compete with foreign firms on the foreign market. We consider the incentives for social dumping via restrictive labour legislation which we assume can be used by th...

This paper examines Foreign Direct Investment in the presence of labour unions. An oligopoly model is developed in which identical firms locate in a host country in order to export to a foreign country. These firms are unionised and compete with foreign firms on the foreign market. We consider the incentives for social dumping via restrictive labour legislation which we assume can be used by th...

We investigate the evolution of unionisation, considering both economic and institutional factors. While economists typically study the effects of labour market institutions treating unionisation as given and focusing on rent-seeking motivations, in this paper we study how union membership is itself related to the economic environment and, in particular, to labour market institutions. We argue ...

We analyse how different labour market institutions — employment protection versus ‘flexicurity’ — affect technology adoption in unionised firms. The analysis is cast in a setting of corporate globalisation, where domestic unionised labour face the double threat of labour-saving technological innovations and international outsourcing of domestic production. In the main part of the analysis, we ...

Historically, African labour unions, at first were an importing driving force of the anti-colonial liberation struggle, before they transformed into transmission belts of ruling parties and governments after independence. In exchange for giving up fundamental freedoms they received a secured status, secure jobs for their members and privileges for their leaders. A rude awakening was caused by t...

The paper discusses the interactions between trade unions and migrants in the case of intra-EU migration following the EU enlargement eastwards. Against representations of unions as insiders’ exclusionary organisations, it will point at the rich evidence of cooperation within unions and migrants. In the case of the EU, it is argued, unions have particular incentives to organise migrants rather ...

NURSING UNIONS have condemned the Labour Party's proposal to replace GP fundholding with a commissioning system led by GPs alone and offering only a subsidiary role to nurses.

Since the pilots’ dispute ended in 1989, globalisation has fundamentally altered the environment in which pilots establish their terms of employment. This paper argues that pilot labour relations have been affected by globalisation in three ways. First, the Australian airline industry was deregulated in 1990. Second, the introduction of the Workplace Relations Act (1996) deregulated the Austral...