In twelve pages this paper discusses the changing role of unions in the United Kingdom in a consideration of the Fire Brigades Union. Ten sources are listed in the bibliography.
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strike in response to conditions that are seen as bad. The reason that action such as this may be seen as both possible and powerful is due to the presence
of a union and the creation of collectivism through that union. This may be seen as a singular position, with the important role played by fire-fighters being one that is
unique, it is also a position that the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) are aware of. As such this is an interesting comparison to use when considering the development of the
unions role in commercial enterprises as opposed to the public sector. The last time that the fire-fighters undertook industrial action of this nature was in 1977, when the role of
unions and collectivism could be seen as very different to today. If we look at the development of union and the way that collectivism has given way to a higher
support of individualism we can understand why this one union may be seen as an anomaly, surviving with enough power to be attempt industrial action to force a settlement. Fire
services are essential not only for emergency scenarios, but also for many events that require fire certificates and for many subsidiary functions in which they have an effective monopoly.
It was due to the power held by many unions that there was a public backlash. However, in this should not mean that there is no longer a role for
unions, only that in most cases this role has had to change and adapt, even the FBU has had to change in response to the general environment. For commercial environments
unions may be seen as having a declining role as fewer members joining and competition for jobs also exists with some employees happy to fend for themselves.