Innovation by Negotiation: Case Studies Among British White-Collar Unions

On the basis of a series of case studies, it is suggested that the influence of white-collar local unionism is often considerable. These case studies were carried out in environments where unions might not have been expected to exercise significant influence on the introduction of new technologies. Three interrelated propositions can be advanced arising out of the evidence: 1. There has been a growing emphasis on consultation and information procedures over the past decade alongside existing bargaining and grievance procedures. 2. The uncertainty that many employers feel about what to do with microprocessor-based technology and the awareness that a positive attitude from the workforce is probably crucial if new equipment and new processes are to produce positive results have made consultation almost a necessity to get new systems off the ground successfully. 3. Union-employee influence on work reorganization, through both bargaining and consultative channels, has been limited in its character.