摘要：This paper reports results from a recent survey we conducted on the union status
of over 650 firms in the private sector of the UK. Compared to earlier periods,
the survey shows that since 1997 there has been a slight fall in derecognition,
but a relatively large increase in union recognition. Almost 11% of firms report
experiencing some new recognition, whilst 7% reported some derecognition. In the
late 1980s new recognitions among similar firms were much lower (3% between 1985
to 1990 according to Gregg and Yates, 1991). In our survey, new recognitions
were more prevalent in larger firms and in regions and industries where union
membership was already high. New recognitions were less likely to have occurred
in companies with higher wages, higher productivity and higher capital
intensity. The ‘blip up’ in new recognitions is consistent with the idea that
the incoming Labour government had a positive effect on the ability of unions to
gain recognition, either through the 1999 legislation or more indirectly through
changing the political climate.
