For a reconfiguration of trade union action : a wide-ranging interpretation beyond hypotheses of convergence

The article, which is part of the "Labor History" symposium on the recent book by Gumbrell-McCormick and Hyman on "Trade Unions in Western Europe", addresses some of the shortcomings of many current interpretations of the future of trade unions in Western countries. In particular, three main questions are raised. The first two deal with the relational dimension of the trade unions: namely, the issue of representation - especially the representation of workers on the margin of traditional core rank and file - and the relationship with other actors - especially with actors different from the traditional private and public counterparts. The third question invites reflection on the function of trade unionism.