There is Power in Coalition: A framework for assessing how and when union-community coalitions are effective and enhance union power

Summary

This article develops a typology of coalition practice that helpfully identifies how coalitions can operate using different strategies with varying levels of power, and are variable depending on social change purpose.

Abstract

Proposals for union revitalisation suggest the importance of unions reaching out to the community and the formation of union-community coalitions. Yet, how this process of ‘reaching out’ can be most effective for building union power and advancing union renewal is little understood. This article presents a framework for assessing union-community coalitions, and how different types of coalitions offer varying possibilities for enhancing the power of unions. The framework extends from ad hoc coalitions to complex integrated ‘deep coalition’ forms. I identify a series of coalition features—common interest, structure, organisational buy-in and scale—and argue that they are key determinants of coalition variation and effectiveness. I also explore how these different coalition forms provide increasing possibilities for union power, and they promote possibilities for union renewal. I argue that the possibilities for union power and union transformation are increasingly likely when there is broader and deeper interconnection between unions and community organisations within the coalition form.

Citation:

Tattersall, A. (2005). There is Power in Coalition: A framework for assessing how and when union-community coalitions are effective and enhance union power. Labour and Industry, 16(2), 97–112. https://doi.org/10.1080/10301763.2005.10669325