This edited collection provides an understanding of the range of learning that is enabled by trade unions, and the agendas around that learning. It comes at an important time as, in the UK, recent years have seen significant new opportunities for unions' involvement in the government's learning and skills policy. At the same time, trade unions have had to cope with declining membership and changing employment patterns, and thus have a keen interest in defining their role in contemporary employment relations and in pursuing strategies for union renewal. Therefore, in order to explore these dynamics, a strong feature of the book is its drawing together of informed, research-based contributions from the fields of training, skills and education, and of industrial relations. International and historical perspectives are included in order to better understand the contemporary issues. There are important conclusions for policy-makers, practitioners and researchers.
Education, education, education' was the mantra upon which Tony Blair was first elected to Government in 1997. His promise to put education at the forefront of the political agenda was welcomed by many teachers who had been faced with constant criticism from successive Conservative governments since the watershed election of 1979. For these teachers, one perhaps unexpected initiative of New Labour was a further intensification of the monitoring of schools with the 'naming and shaming' of so called 'failing' schools. Such schools are situated in the 'relegation zone' of the school league tables and face the possibility of closure. A 'failing' school is often seen as synonymous with 'failing' management and staff. This book, based on a case study of a 'failing' school, identifies the problems and stigmas associated with working in a 'failing' school and how these create tensions and anxieties in the workplace. Conflict in schools is rarely mentioned and little attention is given to the effect of government imposed initiatives when implemented at school level. The book addresses this by providing an insight into the breakdown of the employment relationship as the school management strive to introduce initiatives to turn the school around. The nature of these initiatives are contested by the teaching staff and conflict develops in the school. As the school faces closure, the teachers turn to their trade union for support. The book looks into the complex relationship that exists between the local rank and file members and their Regional and National union representatives whilst also exploring the significance of political affiliation for local trade union activists. Moira Calveley is aSenior Research Fellow at the Centre for Research in Employment Studies, Business School, University of Hertfordshire. She has a Ph.D. in Industrial Relations and has published in the British Journal of Industrial Relations.
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