Introducing industrial/occupational union identity

This chapter brings together the discussion of unions projecting industrial and occupational identities because it became apparent that the largest group of unions, representing 52.3 per cent of all unions observed, drew upon both sources of union identity. It was further recognized that the established categorizations of ‘craft’ and industrial’ (Webb and Webb, 1894, 1902, 1920; Hughes, 1967; Hyman, 1975; Clegg, 1979; Visser, 2012) fail to acknowledge this relationship. Whereas some unions are more clearly focused on a distinct occupation, such the BMA (British Medical Association), MU, WGGB and PFA, others, including RMT and USDAW, represent a range of occupations within an industry. As regards the question of what is considered an industry, this can be problematic. Taking the example of musicians, who might talk about ‘the music business’, the MU might alternatively be seen as organizing part of the wider entertainments industry, including the unions of performers (Equity) and writers (WGGB). In the case of the MU and WGGB, it can be argued that it is occupation which forms the most important component of their niche identity, while for Equity, it is industry that more clearly defines the union identity because it represents a range of performers including singers, dancers and actors. Therefore, where unions were observed to project both occupational and industrial identities, prominence is given to that source which it was considered most clearly describes the union's identity.

This chapter also explores professional unions, which are regarded in this work as a subcategory of occupational/industrial unions, because their identities are inextricably linked to the professions of their members. The chapter explores the extent to which they use ‘occupational closure’ (Weber, 1991) to defend niche positions. As the professional unions represent 23.5 per cent of all unions observed, this raises an important question as to why they are not included in established categorizations. The distinguishing features of the professional unions are that they perform a dual role, acting as both trade unions and professional associations, with concern over the development and maintenance of professional standards and normally requiring professional qualification for full membership.