In the Interest of Everyone? Support for Social Movement Unionism Among Union Officials in Quebec (Canada)

Using a mixed-method research design involving interviews and a survey, we examined how union officials in Quebec perceive social movement unionism (SMU). We show that union officials view SMU as a multifaceted phenomenon with ideal and pragmatic dimensions. They are torn between strong support for the ideals of SMU and a practical reluctance to use members’ dues to provide services to non-members. Experience with civil society organisations mitigates this tension, encouraging union officials to defend the interests of everyone not only as an ideal, but also as a strategy that allows unions to protect members and unrepresented workers.

_eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/irj.12380