Richard Hyman – författare

Trade unions in most of Europe are on the defensive: in recent decades they have lost membership, sometimes drastically; their collective bargaining power has declined, as has their influence on government; and in many countries, their public respect is much diminished.This book explores the challenges facing trade unions and their responses in ten west European countries: Britain, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Italy. Based on a substantial number of interviews with key union representatives and academic experts in each country, together with the collection of a large amount of union documentation and background material, the book gives an account of how trade unionism has evolved in each country, the main recent challenges that unions have faced, and their responses. The book engages with the debates of the past two decades on union modernization and revitalization, and more generally with theories of institutional change and the literature on varieties of capitalism.Some observers ask whether unions remain relevant socio-economic actors, but challenging times can stimulate new thinking, and hence provide new opportunities. This book aims to show why trade unions are (still) important subjects for scientific analysis: first, as a means of collective 'voice' allowing employees to challenge management control and bringing a measure of balance to the employment relationship; second, as a form of 'countervailing power' to the socio-economic dominance of capital; and third, their potential as a 'sword of justice' to defend the weak, vulnerable and disadvantaged, express a set of values in opposition to the dominant political economy, and offer aspirations for a different—and better—form of society.

`As one would expect, this is a well-crafted, literate and absorbing account of European trade union development. Established scholars and advanced students will enjoy the discussion of theory and cases' - The Journal of Industrial Relations

`[A] detailed and fascinating history of trade unions in the three countries [Britain, Germany, Italy]... considers how the unions could recover from the intense disarray of recent years' - Labour Research

`Everyone concerned over the construction of a truly social Europe will learn much from this thoughtful and probing study' - Professor Colin Crouch, Istituto Universitario Europeo

In this comprehensive overview of trade unionism in Europe and beyond, Richard Hyman offers a fresh perspective on trade union identity, ideology and strategy. He shows how the varied forms and impact of different national movements reflect historical choices on whether to emphasize a role as market bargainers, mobilizers of class opposition or partners in social integration. The book demonstrates how these inherited traditions can serve as both resources and constraints in responding to the challenges which confront trade unions in today's working world.

Trade unions in most of Europe are on the defensive: in recent decades they have lost membership, sometimes drastically; their collective bargaining power has declined, as has their influence on government; and in many countries, their public respect is much diminished. This book explores the challenges facing trade unions and their responses in ten west European countries: Britain, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Italy. Based on a substantial number of interviews with key union representatives and academic experts in each country, together with the collection of a large amount of union documentation and background material, the book gives an account of how trade unionism has evolved in each country, the main recent challenges that unions have faced, and their responses. The book engages with the debates of the past two decades on union modernization and revitalization, and more generally with theories of institutional change and the literature on varieties of capitalism. Some observers ask whether unions remain relevant socio-economic actors, but challenging times can stimulate new thinking, and hence provide new opportunities. This book aims to show why trade unions are (still) important subjects for scientific analysis: first, as a means of collective 'voice' allowing employees to challenge management control and bringing a measure of balance to the employment relationship; second, as a form of 'countervailing power' to the socio-economic dominance of capital; and third, their potential as a 'sword of justice' to defend the weak, vulnerable and disadvantaged, express a set of values in opposition to the dominant political economy, and offer aspirations for a different--and better--form of society.

This analysis of strikes is concerned mainly with the sociology of industrial conflict in Britain but including some international comparisons. The author has focused on the causes of industrial disputes and their meanings for those involved, aiming to present the views and theories of others rather than original views of his own. In this 4th edition, the main text has been left largely unaltered, beyond updating the statistical tables and commentaries on trends, while the concluding chapter seeks to bring the argument up to date and gives some attention to issues of theory and interpretation which are raised in the body of the book. The guide to further reading has also been updated. Richard Hyman is also author of "Industrial Relations - A Marxist Introduction", "The New Working Class?" (co-editor) and "The Political Economy of Industrial Relations".

Building on the highly successful Industrial Relations in the New Europe, this new text for students of industrial relations and human resource management examines some of the key comparative themes of European industrial relations in the 1990's. A team of internationally renowned contributors has drawn on a wealth of detailed, up-to-date material to analyse the major common trends across countries, and to account for the variety of national practice. Each chapter examines and compares different regional experiences to deal with such themes as: mangement strategy the role of unions gender and the labour market collective bargaining change at the workplace the state as employer industrial conflict the European Union dimension and 'Social Europe' the transition to the market economy in Eastern Europe The editors pay particular attention to developments in Eastern Europe as the former Easter bloc countries struggle to achieve the transition to market economies. The workplace, trade unions and the creation of national industrial relations institutions are examined specifically in this context.

Changing Industrial Relations in Europe is the second edition of the influential and widely used textbook, Industrial Relations in the New Europe. As with the earlier edition, the book will be a definitive text and reference for all students in industrial relations and human resource management looking at international issues.

Changing Industrial Relations in Europe is the second edition of the influential and widely used textbook, Industrial Relations in the New Europe. As with the earlier edition, the book will be a definitive text and reference for all students in industrial relations and human resource management looking at international issues.

`As one would expect, this is a well-crafted, literate and absorbing account of European trade union development. Established scholars and advanced students will enjoy the discussion of theory and cases' - The Journal of Industrial Relations

`[A] detailed and fascinating history of trade unions in the three countries [Britain, Germany, Italy]... considers how the unions could recover from the intense disarray of recent years' - Labour Research

`Everyone concerned over the construction of a truly social Europe will learn much from this thoughtful and probing study' - Professor Colin Crouch, Istituto Universitario Europeo

In this comprehensive overview of trade unionism in Europe and beyond, Richard Hyman offers a fresh perspective on trade union identity, ideology and strategy. He shows how the varied forms and impact of different national movements reflect historical choices on whether to emphasize a role as market bargainers, mobilizers of class opposition or partners in social integration. The book demonstrates how these inherited traditions can serve as both resources and constraints in responding to the challenges which confront trade unions in today's working world.

This Concise Introduction illuminates the conflict, cooperation and complex issues surrounding employment relations. Richard Hyman, a leading expert in the field, clearly explains how the reality of employment interactions and the academic understanding of the subject have been transformed by globalisation, neoliberalism and financialisation.Key Features:Focuses on those involved in the governance of labour, from employers to trade unionsSynthesises several decades of research to help the reader understand the growth of precarious workCritically discusses contemporary challenges, including the aftereffects of COVID-19 and the climate crisisThe Concise Introduction to Employment Relations is beneficial to students focusing on human resources, industrial relations, economics and employment studies. Those studying sociology and organisational behaviour will also find it valuable.