Facing Up to Thatcherism: The History of NALGO 1979-93 [Hardcover]

Michael Ironside (Author), Roger Seifert (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 22, 2001 | ISBN-10: 0199240752 | ISBN-13: 978-0199240753

This book provides detailed evidence of how the largest UK public sector union fought against the neo-liberal policies of the Thatcher governments. In particular it traces the union's opposition to privatization, and its responses to the introduction of market mechanisms in local government, education, and the National Health Service. The authors' research reveals a vibrant and democratic culture located in the best traditions of progressive trade unionism.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`deserves to be widely read. It is a work of academic distinction and is informed by an understanding attitude to trade unionism set out in its opening chapter ... provides a radical commentary on the theory of industrial relations and throws new light on the damaging consequences of Thatcher's period of office.' Jim Mortimer, Socialist Campaign Group News, 10, July 2001

`This book deals very well with the issues which led to the merger of NALGO, NUPE and COHSE - three proud, strong and independent trade unions ... This is not the usual stodge of political anecdote, but a fascinating insight into an important part of our recent industrial struggle.' Ivan Beavis, Morning Star, 9 May 2001

`If you think this is just another self-congratulatory trade union history, wherein aged ex-activists celebrate their trade union careers, you are mistaken. This is a bit of a cracker ... This book is an appropriate testament to the roles played by oustanding trade unionists' Ivan Beavis, Morning Star, 9 May 2001

About the Author

Roger Seifert read Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Oxford University before taking an M.Sc. in Economics and later a Ph.D. in Industrial Relations at the London School of Economics. He worked for Incomes Data Service before joining Keele University where he is now Professor of Industrial Relations. Mike Ironside read Mechanical Engineering at Aston University and then became a local government officer and a trade union activist. He took an MA in Industrial Relations and worked as a research officer for a trade union before joining Keele University as a lecturer in 1990.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 472 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (March 22, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0199240752
• ISBN-13: 978-0199240753
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.