II‑ Modern British Union Movement
•Extent
•2004 unions 26% of labor force ‑ peak 55% 1979
•Public sector most highly organized part of economy
•Dramatic decline in number of unions by merger and amalgamation continues with some quite large unions
2004 unions 26% of labor force ‑ peak 55% 1979 (BLW)
   40% drop in number of unionists over that period
   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

Public sector most highly organized part of economy
   17% density in private sector
   59% density in public sector

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