The decollectivisation of trade unionism? Ballots and collective bargaining in the 1980s

Balloting has been held to undermine collective decision making within unions. This article, based upon analysis of the rule books of all TUC affiliated unions and case study material, outlines the law on balloting and collective bargaining, and examines the response to legislative changes. The authors argue that although legislation has led to greater formalisation and centralisation in decision-making on collective action, decision-making remains collective.