Hand out list of terms

Since 1999 regional parliaments in Scotland and Wales.  Also in N. Ireland but that one is currently suspended First government in the 20th century openly hostile to collective bargaining On corruption index, least corrupt in course and less than USA

House of Commons had 646 seats

Highly industrialized, but like other such economies shifting toward services and white collar Per capita GDP in 2002 below the USA and below only Canada in the course Measured on Human Development Index, rates below Sweden, Canada and USA but above France, Germany & Italy Alternative Quality of Life Measure puts it only above Italy in the course No substantial agricultural exports but does produce most of its own food Smaller percentage of labor force in agriculture than any economically developed country (BLW) Primary energy production is 10% of GDP, very high for a developed nation Still, largest sector is services, especially banking, insurance and business services

By end of World War II, clearly not the dominant economy any more or perhaps even a dominant economy More recently, every child 3-5 eligible for $2000 year child care allowance Britain's relative position in terms of economic growth deteriorated Income distribution has been growing less equal since 1980.  But unlike USA lowest paid workers still have some growth in their incomes Highest child poverty rate in course (but well below USA)

Conservative government relied on restrictive monetary and fiscal policies to combat inflation. Ignored goal of full employment and made inflation the primary target of economic policy Result was to raise unemployment 13.5% late 1985 in country where normal rate in 1960s was below 2% 2005 ratio of taxes to GDP lowest in course (but way above the USA) 2005 ratio of government spending to GDP above only Canada in the course

Crucial issue at this time was relationship of unionism to law

1980 ½ of British workers had never been unionists.  By 2003 ¾ of workers had never been unionists 2004 for first time women’s trade union density exceeded that of men Dramatic decline in number of unions by merger and amalgamation continues with some quite large unions 2003 merger produced Amicus, largest primarily private sector union, largest manufacturing union, and largest union affiliated to Labour Party.  Now about tied for largest union in Britain with 1.2 million members

2004 largest union (along with Amicus) is Unison which is primarily public sector 2004 affiliates have only about half members they had in 1979 Majority of affiliated union members now public employees

unions rely on them heavily for recruitment and local bargaining

Inside work place, stewards represent only members of their own unions What does article on Britain in BLW say about trends in multi-unionism? Has become much less common, with one union per workplace now the norm and more than three rare

Its respect from governments in this role helped induce several otherwise largely non‑partisan white collar unions to join

Gordon Brown, Chancellor of the Exchequer is rival and Heir Apparent

Labour Party was until recently more closely integrated to unions then any other party in Europe  Used to be about 90% of Party membership affiliated through unions with unions dominating party conferences and National Executive Unions have lost special role in choosing parliamentary candidates but many labour MPs sponsored by specific unions

Exchange of wage restraint for repeal of unfavorable industrial legislation and passage of legislation to promote social justice including new worker benefits, new union rights, and industrial democracy

Unions glad for some of changes introduced but very unhappy that they are not more extensive Many unions see Blair Government as too much influenced by employers and neo-liberal (i.e. pro-market) economic thinking Opposition to some strikes, especially public sector strikes, by Blair Government, has angered some unions In 2004 Rail, Maritime and Transport Union disaffiliated from the Labour Party and several very large unions have significantly cut their contributions to the Party

Little formal contact with unions except at top levels when in government

This has changed dramatically in 1980s and 90s with industry associations playing smaller role and often disappearing entirely Employers disaffiliated at a rapid rate in the 1980s leaving the large majority of workplaces outside the employer association network

It is an employers’ association, not a commercial or business association Gained some influence under Thatcher Government which found its approach more ideologically compatible

Apart from supporting bargaining, government played little role in peace‑time IR

Also hears individual claims of statutory violations – especially unfair dismissal Offers arbitration, not compulsory or binding but parties normally accept the awards Public utilities traditionally run by government (national or local) and nationalized industries included coal, steel, railroads In 1980s and 90s all nationalized industries and most public utilities sold off Including telecommunications, natural gas, steel, coal and railroads

Rarely did British IR issues end up in court.  Labor and Management were left to work things out for themselves

I- Legislative Changes under the Thatcher Government ‑ Philosophy has changed from consulting with unions to weakening and neutralizing them Often the same issue was addressed several times (e.g. secret ballot elections, closed shop) with legislation increasingly restrictive of unions

Unions have won every one of these, allowing them to maintain political funds.  On average unions win these overwhelmingly Principles binding on all TUC members not to raid each other

First allowed exemption for religious reasons or if your employment predated the closed shop Eventually removed ability of union to take any action to enforce closed shop Also allowed anyone denied job because of union membership or non-membership to seek a legal remedy

No legal right to picket but regulated only by the normal police power Question was one of immunity from normal civil and criminal laws which might apply (i.e. damage suit if picketing reduces ability of customers to enter business) For purpose of peacefully persuading any person to work or refrain from work Now there is no immunity from civil or criminal actions for secondary picketing

Strikers not protected from “unfair dismissal” except in very limited cases Employer once again allowed to dismiss strikers with no legal interference Even when strike lawful and approved by majority of workers To avoid strike votes, unions began to increase unofficial strikes Employers can dismiss unofficial strikers and can sue unions that engage in sympathy strikes to support such dismissed strikers Employers can sue unions for unofficial strikes called by their officials including shop stewards

Clear employers more willing to use favorable law against unions than at any time in the 20th century In part because of the growth of product market competition and in part because of the governments abandonment of full employment as a goal

Sought to bring about partnerships between unions and employer (BLW) Including Employment Relations Acts of 1999, 2002 and 2004 Some of changes motivated by various EU policy directives including those on discrimination, family life and working time Blair Government signed EU Social Charter which Conservative Government had refused to do

Employees must be able to appeal discipline (though this doesn’t apply to suspensions with pay or to warnings, verbal or written) Employees required to use these procedures before they can seek legal redress Employees will be entitled to additional compensation from tribunal if employer doesn’t follow these procedures Employers must consult with union or employee representatives over planned redundancies or work transfers Employee entitled to be accompanied by union representative or fellow employee of their choice to any grievance or disciplinary hearing.  Can have union representative even if no union is recognized 2004 law gives this representative the right to respond to anything said at the meeting

Minimum has been raised several times and last increase in 2004 brought it to almost $9 per hour These changes based on EU Social Charter policy directives Entitled to 20 annual paid holidays/vacation.  2005 Blair Government agreed with unions to legislate so that national holidays don’t count toward the total Parents with small children have right to request flexible scheduling Employers required to give these requests serious consideration, i.e. to attempt to accommodate Employers with 150 employees (will gradually go down to 50) must inform employees of a variety of policy decisions and explain their reasons

Second highest annual hours in course after Canada and lowest average vacations and holidays EU Work Time Directive limits hours to 48 per week unless the nation allows workers to opt out voluntarily EU suspects workers being coerced by employers and has launched investigation

Annual average work days lost per 1000 workers 1994-2003 2nd lowest in course Some increase since then with 12-year high in 2002 (but still lower than any year from 1946-1990 Followed by a decrease in 2003 and then a slight increase in 2004 Employment Relations Act of 2000 prohibits termination of strikers during first 8 weeks of a legal strike

Scheduled 1-hour strike followed by 2 1-day strikes and 1 3-day strike Imposed overtime ban – very common practice where effective Strike, though called legally, could have been declared illegal as endangering public safety and Conservative Government undoubtedly would have

Large majority of tribunal cases won by employees despite Thatcher government reducing level of protection