Gender and Leadership in Trade Unions explores and evaluates the similarities and differences in equality strategies pursued by unions in the US and the UK. It assesses the conditions experienced by women union members and how these impact on their leadership, both potential and actual. The discussion of women trade union leaders is situated more broadly within debates on governance, leadership and democracy within social justice activism.
Female union members are nearly fifty percent of the total membership of organized labor, and yet female union members continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions creating a leadership gender gap. The problem of a leadership gender gap is longstanding and is demonstrated in all levels of organized labor, from local to international unions, as well as in the labor federations. The problem stems from deep-rooted barriers that women face with leadership in labor organizations and impacts female union member0́9s voices and issues being heard at the bargaining table, and can therefore negatively affect women0́9s wages, hours and working conditions that are collectively bargained with employers by the elected union leadership. The purpose of this study was to determine what instructional design strategies used in labor education can increase confidence and leadership skill sets of female union members and empower them into leadership roles. Using an instructional design framework that incorporated the ARCS Motivational Design Model and Design Thinking, an asynchronous, online non-credit short course was created to use as the base for the study. The core weekly topics for the course were drawn from the study0́9s literature review, as well as feedback from a participatory group of female union leaders. The initial course prototype was offered in October 2020 and March 2021. Regarding general instructional design strategies, the participants were comfortable with online course formats and prefer a combination of weekly activities and the incorporation of hands-on and/or real-world material. An instructional intervention that focused on role models and self-efficacy was conducted during the third week of the course. The focus on role models proved to be highly valued by the participants. The participants cited that the activity was engaging and broadened their understanding of role models and introduced them to female labor leaders that they had not previously known of. The data collected from the participants recorded that role models demonstrated to the participants how to overcome leadership barriers and inspired them to the fact that they, too, can make positive change in leadership roles. The participants also indicated personal and/or professional growth with their understanding of women and leadership skill development. The participants cited a host of course activities that positively affected their leadership skill sets, such as the role model activities, weekly readings and videos and discussion boards. While the role model activities stood out as having a positive effect on the participants confidence and leadership skills, it is worth noting that the participants cited several different course activities that they participated in that leads to the assumption that leadership courses need to be well-rounded and holistic to fit the diverse audience experiences and skill sets.
Examining the experiences of leadership among trade unionists in a range of unions and labor movements around the world, this volume addresses perspectives of women and men from a range of identities such as race/ethnicity, sexuality, and age. It analyses existing models of leadership in various political organizational forms, especially trade unions, but also including business and management approaches, leadership forms which arise from fields such as community, pedagogy, and the third sector. This book analyzes and critiques concepts, expectations, and experiences of union leaders and leadership in labor organizations, while comparing gender and cultural perspectives. Contributors to the volume draw on empirical research to identify key ideas, beliefs and experiences which are critical to achieving change, setting up resistance, and transforming the inertia of traditionalism.
Making Globalization Work for Women explores the potential for trade unions to defend the socioeconomic rights of women in a global context. Looking at labor policies and interviews with people in unions and nongovernmental organizations, the essays diagnose the problems faced by women workers across the world and assess the progress that unions in various countries have made in responding to those problems. Some concerns addressed include the masculine culture of many unions and the challenges of female leadership within them, laissez-faire governance, and the limited success of organizations working on these issues globally. Making Globalization Work for Women brings together in a synthetic and fruitful conversation the work and ideas of feminists, unions, NGOs, and other human rights workers.
I Knew I Could Do This Work is designed to promote women's activism and leadership within unions across the country at the local, state, regional, and national levels. Based on interviews with union organizers and activists throughout the United States, the report explores three main questions: What are the main obstacles that discourage women's union activism and leadership? How can unions help overcome them? How can women's movement organizing better support union women? The report outlines seven strategies that unions can use to encourage women's increased participation.
As paid work becomes increasingly central in women’s lives, the history of their labor struggles assumes more and more importance. This volume represents the best of the new feminist scholarship in twentieth-century U.S. women’s labor history. Fourteen original essays illuminate the complex relationship between gender, consciousness and working-class activism, and deepen historical understanding of the contradictory legacy of trade unionism for women workers. The contributors take up a wide range of specific subjects, and write from diverse theoretical perspectives. Some of the essays are case studies of women’s participation in individual unions, organizing efforts, or strikes; others examine broader themes in women’s labor history, focusing on a specific time period; and still others explore the situation of particular categories of women workers over a longer time span. This collection extends the scope of current research and interpretation in women’s labor history, both conceptually and in terms of periodization – emphasis is placed on the post-World War I period where the literature is sparse. This book will be valuable for scholars, students and general readers alike.
