Ben Valkenburg

Modernization, Individualization and Solidarity: Two Perspectives on European Trade Unions Today

Trade unions today struggle to come to terms with the changing identities of their actual and potential members. In the first of these two complementary papers, Zoll argues that unions so far have failed to adapt to the complex dynamic of social change which he defines as a second stage of modernization. For Valkenburg, it is possible to recognize a painful process through which some unions are redefining their ideas of collectivism and participation in response to the changing attitudes of employees. Each author offers brief comments on the others analysis.

Trade unionism in the Netherlands: back to the future?

The proposition that western industrialised society is subject to fundamental change is hardly controversial. If trade unions are to remain actively involved in the context of this changing society, in the role of an emancipatory social movement, modernisation is imperative. This contribution outlines a number of changes in society and how they affect the position of trade unions. Subsequently, as regards the modernisation of trade unions themselves, the author formulates two priorities: the problem of participation and the concept of labour as used by the trade unions. Finally, he analyses the way in which the trade union movement in the Netherlands has handled these priorities up to now. This analysis will focus primarily on the developments within the federation of Dutch trade unions (Federatie Nederlandse Vakbeweging, FNV). With a membership of over a million, the FNV is the largest trade union in the Netherlands.1 He also looks at the developments within the Christian federation (Christelijk Nationaal Vakverbond, CNV), which has about 350,000 members. At the outset two things should be stressed. Firstly, the author chose a critical approach, but in the firm conviction that a strong, modernised trade union movement is essential. Secondly, the present discussion is limited to outlining developments, which are dominant in the view of the author. Only brief reference will be made to new approaches that occur in concrete trade union practice.

Book review: Sandrine Cazes and Alena Nesporova Flexicurity, a relevant approach in Central and Eastern Europe Geneva: ILO, 2007. ISBN 978-92-2-119215-2, 25

Most people will agree that a modern, successful economy requires the combination of a flexible labour market, sufficient protection and security for workers, and an active labour market policy that serves both. Most people will also agree that the development of former Soviet economies after the fall of communism is important, not only for the countries directly concerned, but also for the European project as a whole. This book combines these issues.

Book Review: A Relevant Approach in Central and Eastern Europe Geneva

Most people will agree that a modern, successful economy requires the combination of a flexible labour market, sufficient protection and security for workers, and an active labour market policy that serves both. Most people will also agree that the development of former Soviet economies after the fall of communism is important, not only for the countries directly concerned, but also for the European project as a whole. This book combines these issues.

Book Review: A Relevant Approach in Central and Eastern Europe GenevaCazesSandrine and FlexicurityAlena Nesporova, a relevant approach in Central and Eastern EuropeGeneva: ILO, 2007. ISBN 978-92-2-119215-2, €25

Most people will agree that a modern, successful economy requires the combination of a flexible labour market, sufficient protection and security for workers, and an active labour market policy that serves both. Most people will also agree that the development of former Soviet economies after the fall of communism is important, not only for the countries directly concerned, but also for the European project as a whole. This book combines these issues.

Migrants, work, and the welfare state

In Europe 56 million people are migrants. This raises many questions on the effects of immigration on both the immigrants and the societies to which they have migrated. Trying to find answers to these questions can contribute to developing further policies on how this migration can be handled to the benefit of all. The need to find these answers will become increasingly urgent. In a globalising economy (im)migration will be a continuing and growing process.

Changing Working Life and the Appeal of the Extreme Right

In Europe the extreme right has its ups and downs. In general, though, its popularity has been growing over the past decades. It is clear that the message of the extreme right has widespread appeal. Changing Working Life and the Appeal of the Extreme Right addresses the link between socio-economic changes and the growing appeal of the extreme right. In political and academic debates this link is often asserted in a general way. The suggestion is that our modern globalising economy, with its extreme flexibility, forms of migration and atypical forms of work, together with a diminishing welfare state, creates losers and winners. The extreme right, with its negative portrayal of ‘others’ who are to blame (unemployed, migrants) and its distrust of politicians (who neglect the interests of everyday citizens and only follow their own interests), strongly appeals to the losers. This idea is often stated, but rarely studied on an empirical level. Changing Working Life and the Appeal of the Extreme Right sets out to answer, empirically, the question why working people are attracted to the extreme right.

Why deregulate labour markets

Deregulation is a hot topic in European labour market policy. Most European countries are trying to find solutions for chronic unemployment; deregulation is seen as one of these possible solutions. On a political level the positions in this discussion are often firm and one-sided. For some, the lack of flexibility of the European labour market is the main cause for chronic unemployment. They plead for radical flexibilisation and deregulation of the labour market, which, they believe, will lead to a growth of employment. For others deregulation is primarily a threatening perspective. It will erode traditional forms of protection, lead to a growth of inferior atypical forms of work and, in general, to a weakened position of workers. There are costs and no benefits. Supporters and opponents both use examples of ‘regulated’ (e.g. Germany) and ‘deregulated’ (e.g. USA) labour markets to back up their arguments.