Abstract
I cannot say anything positive about the COVID-19 lockdown during 2020/2021. Months of social isolation. Travel restrictions. Online teaching and examinations in abundance. But now I finally found a good thing about the pandemic. It apparently gave Jane Holgate the opportunity to write this terrific book.
I first learned about Jane Holgate 10 years ago when I was a PhD student working on changes in Nordic trade unionism. Back then two books made a huge impact on my academic formation – Hyman and Gumbrell-McCormick (2013) Trade Unions in Western Europe: Hard Times, Hard Choices and Simms et al. (2012) Union Voice: Tactics and Tensions in UK Organizing. This was the heyday of the growing ‘revitalisation’ literature engaged with trade union organising, tactics and strategy. Arise is an excellent continuation of this sub-branch of the social sciences.
‘Arise’ is based on a historical-institutional approach engaged with the roots of UK trade unionism. The book begins with a ‘back to basics’ which works extremely well since it reminds us of why and how trade unions were initially formed. This comprehensive revisit to the early years of trade union formation is then used as a tool to analyse current issues and struggles. Holgate demonstrates an impressive insight into classic and contemporary theory regarding social movements, organising and especially power resources that seem to be having a comeback these days.
Throughout the book she provides cases from the vast world of work that illustrate her central thesis: trade unions over the course of time have lost power but a resurgence is possible. In the latter part of the book Holgate points to the need for a strong, strategic approach that emphasises building strategic leadership and deep organising. Holgate emphasises the importance of organising in the workplace and the community while using storytelling, direct action, and strategic relationships to energise and mobilise workers. Many of these strategies are not new, but Holgate manages to skilfully connect them with a power resource perspective. This is one of the key contributions of the book and pushes the academic field forward.
The one thing that strikes me the most whilst reading Arise is Holgate’s ability to communicate in a way that is compelling to both practitioners and academics alike. This is a very hard thing to do, yet a clear tribute to the rather unique background of Holgate, who has not only worked as a researcher and academic but also as trade union activist herself.
Arise is an excellent read for anyone interested in labour and social movements. The book presents a valuable historical and analytical perspective on trade unions, providing a roadmap for resurgence with an emphasis on effective power and strategy. Holgate provides lots of examples, case studies, and tactics to show how a strong, effective labour movement can emerge, challenge power and win across a wide array of sectors in a modern and more digitalised economy. It is an essential read for activists, labour leaders, union organisers and academics who seek to create a better world.