11 Facts About Community unionism

Community unionism, known as reciprocal unionism, refers to the formation of alliances between unions and non-labour groups in order to achieve common goals.

Part of the discourse of why community unionism has many definitions is in the ambiguity of the word "community" itself.

In Community Unionism A Comparative Analysis of Concepts and contexts, McBride and Greenwood note that community unions are not a new idea: it is an old form of unionism that dates back 150 years.

Community unionism anticipated that community unions would be established in de-industrialized towns, and urban slums.

Community unionism believed that community unions would work to improve housing, welfare, and public services.

Community unionism came to believe this by looking at the Farm Workers Union.

Community unionism noticed that the issues that farmers were facing went beyond the workplace.

Community unionism can be understood as a response to neoliberalism and globalization: it was a turn back to the local level- or community- in organizing.

Community unionism unions try to negotiate a settlement for the workers complaint and if it falls through, then are redirected to government labour committees or courts.

Community unionism unions were formed from community and faith-based organizing networks, Central American solidarity movements and other left wing organizations, legal services and social service agencies, immigrant non-governmental organizations, churches, and labour unions.

Community unionism has been a response to these issues in the US, and has provided activities at a local level that work to set up labour market protections for low wage workers.