Academic Research on Labour: Strengthening Union-University Links

Examines academic research on labour in the past five years with a view toward strengthening ties between unions and the academy. Discusses the nature of academic research, currents in the literature, and gaps that need to be addressed. Points to funding challenges and argues that there is a need for interdisciplinary collaboration. Comments on the perception of industrial relations' research, including scholars whose subject background does not foster sympathetic appreciation of working-class issues. Concludes with a set of recommendations for going forward, such as an labour-academic exchange program to improve dialogue and to create integrated approaches that contribute to labour's role in society. The article is based on a literature review, a mailed survey, and interviews with academics.