The cyberknights vs trade unions: determining workplace futures

Abstract

Organised labour, in the form of trade unions, has been an ever‐present part of the industrialised world. Organised labour has faced a number of structural threats but recent changes in company formation and operation pose perhaps the ultimate threat. The new breed of entrepreneur – the “cyberknight” – adopts new forms of employment and labour practice which change the need for, and the role of, unions to the point where they may be unable to adapt. Describes the history of trade unions and highlights the changes that may break the continuum of this history. Suggests that the cyberknights – often unwittingly – may bring about the end of organised labour.

Citation

Cardinali, R. (2000), "The cyberknights vs trade unions: determining workplace futures", Work Study, Vol. 49 No. 6, pp. 223-228. https://doi.org/10.1108/00438020010343390