The Role of Public-Sector Unions During Privatization

Abstract

This paper reviews the historical and institutional backgrounds of public- and private-sector unions, internal and external trends involving publicsector unions, union representation in the public sector, union affiliation with citizens, and the relationship between privatization and public unions. Using these characteristics to reflect on the fundamental rationale of public-sector unions as the negotiators for public employees and as the promoters of political affiliation with citizens, the nature of the labor-management relationship emerges as a key factor in determining the effectiveness of unions in these roles.