East Asia has undergone an intense period of economic development and accompanying social change in recent years and among the unforeseen social phenomena that have emerged are new forms of trade unions. This book analyzes the importance of such a new union movement in Korea by focusing on the promotion of social reforms by, and the intensification of interunion solidarity between the white-collar movement factions.

Three sectors of the white-collar movement are examined—financial, hospital, and research unions. In comparing their success in raising social reforms and fortifying interunion solidarity, Doowon Suh considers diverse macro and micro social relations, such as the structure of political opportunities, organization leadership, and the effects of internal labor markets.

This book is an important read for those interested in industrial relations, labor history and social movements in Korea.

Contents

1. Introduction 2. White-Collar Unionism as Social Movements 3. Theoretical Frameworks for Political Protest and Labor Solidarity 4. Personal Welfare and Economic Justice 5. Political Protest and Social Reform 6. Inter-Union Solidarity and Industrial Unionism 7. Conclusion

Author Bio

Doowon Suh is Associate Professor in the Graduate School of International Studies at the Korea University.