Solidaritet og individualisme.

Fællesskabsformer blandt danske lønmodtagere

Resumé

The current crisis faced by trade unions is often explained by reference to the process of individualization in society and the lack of solidarity, but how do things appear at the level of the workplace? A collectivist theoretical optic is used to examine two groups of Danish industrial workers, a strongly unionized group of industrial workers who face a demand for a great degree of work flexibility by a multinational concern, and a group of industrial workers in a newly established firm with a relatively large number who are members of the Christian trade union movement. The article establishes that even though the workers are fragmented in terms of loyalty to particular political parties and have a differing commitment to classical notions of solidarity, the expression of common concerns and interest based unity do take place. Flexibility and new concepts of production make the safeguarding of the interests of workers and everyday solidarity more difficult. Nevertheless, at the same time the policies of the management ensure the continuance of the collective spirit in the workforce. Worker unity still constitutes a reflex response – across the membership of different trade union movements.