Trade union representatives in distribution: experiences of work and representing workers during Covid-19

Evans, Bryn Anthony

Abstract

This thesis seeks to investigate how union representatives (reps) in distribution workplaces navigated the Covid-19 pandemic. Specifically, it seeks to explore the changing experience of work in the essential workplace of distribution centres during the pandemic, but also explore how organised labour navigated the changing terrain that followed the events of March 2020. Having collected data which predominantly consists of interviews with 17 reps and a small group of other officials, primarily relating to 7 workplaces, valuable knowledge and insight was uncovered in respect of the changing character of work during the pandemic as well as the effects on reps’ activities. The insights emerging from the study point to a general inability to capitalise on the pandemic as a means of advancing members’ pay and conditions, or advancing the position of the union in the workplace more generally. The researcher has sought to explain the inability to take advantage of the conditions in terms of constraints, restraint and participation: namely that reps were constrained from action by various factors, exercised restraint in their negotiations/approach with employers, or participated in decision making, but in a limited and narrow way – mostly in terms of designing or influencing policies related to the safety of workers. Many of the reps interviewed had considerable influence prior to Covid which waned as the context changed, though others actively helped to contribute to policy making – even if it was mostly constrained to issues directly related to the pandemic.

Citation

Evans, B. A. Trade union representatives in distribution: experiences of work and representing workers during Covid-19. (Thesis). Keele University. https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/1109902

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Mar 21, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 21, 2025
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/1109902
• Award Date: 2025-03