Explain the concept of solidarity unionism and describe how this approach might be used to increase labor's bargaining power and protect union rights.

Question

Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

Answer 1

One of several proposals for increasing the strength of the U.S. labor movement, solidarity unionism seeks to enhance solidarity or cohesiveness within and across workplaces. Rather than focusing on ways to cooperate with employers, solidarity unionism sees its role as one of protector and advocate for worker rights. It is more likely to emphasize the differences between management and worker goals and look to ways to increase power and protection through the mobilization of workers and aggressive organizing and representation tactics. Solidarity unionism proposal include the concept of nonmajority unions, reduced union bureaucracy, grassroots activism, and occupational unionism. The solidarity model is quite close to the traditional business unionism model, with the distinction of greater worker involvement and activism.