COMMENTARY: The Trade Union Response to Structural Change

Abstract

In looking at the trade union response to the structural changes posed by the dramatic economic events of the 1970s, it is first necessary to look at the background which determined the institutional nature of unions to that change beating upon our shores. Therefore I wish to divide this paper into 4 parts: the social and economic background of the 1950s and 1960s; longer term social changes influencing trade unions; the impact of change and the trade union response; implications.