Report: Unions 21 Workshop at the Work Foundation

The Work Foundation hosted a workshop: 'Fit for Purpose' Unions last week challenged participants to identify how unions can improve to adapt to the changing economic and political landscape. Participants gave their views of the external demands, and internal deficiencies that are causing the biggest concerns. The participants then discussed solutions to these challenges, outlining priorities for the future of unions. 
Stephen Bevan (The Work Foundation) identified performance management as the most important area in which unions could make progress, because of its value in adapting to times of change. Participants agreed, but commented that a union version of performance management must be created, which is both acceptable and ethical.
Governance/democracy was the other priority area identified. Participants said new representational models could help achieve a more flexible and dynamic vision for unions.