Regulating the Market Risks: The Coalitions between Occupational Unions and CSOs in Taiwan

Abstract

This paper analyzes craft-based unions founded after democratization in Taiwan, focusing in particular on how they cooperate with other civil society organizations (CSOs) and how coalitions develop to cope with the market risks faced by skilled workers. This paper asks whether these coalitions present any peculiarities or unusual dynamics beyond those designated by the state such as labor insurance. The study finds that these new occupational unions function as collective organizations of skilled workers, attempting to manipulate market relations by cooperating with other CSOs. Two strategies are identified in this paper: the Union of Community Servicewomen pursues a strategy of market closure; the Documentary Media Worker Union tires to establish coalitions with other CSOs by resorting to shared interests.