Question

To what extent does the UK Living Wage campaign offer a model for union organising in other countries?

Answer 1

Solution -

UK Living Wage Campaign started in 2001 and developed into an organization known as Living Wage Foundation in 2011 and have since then yearly been releasing their annual report on what are the living wages and which companies are paying them. The living wage campaign started with a very small local campaign in London and then started inviting all employees to join the campaign. In 2005 this campaign got an impetus when Greater London Authority established the living wage unit. Since then there has been no looking back and this organization has continued to grow as a movement.

This movement is all about a constructive way of connecting with the individuals who matter and are in authority to make decisions. Various campaigns were brought out and slowly with this working model many employees have been able to connect themselves with this organization. As many are 432 small and big employers have joined in and have started to follow these guidelines without compulsion as this is becoming a contagious movement across. The employers look at this campaign as a way of accreditation and increase their brand image among the pool of talent available in the market. This gives a stong unionism message which is not about protesting but spreading awareness and putting in the request for a fair wage system. Such campaigns are also encouraged as they are peaceful and keeps up the productivity levels of the organization also along with the campaign. This union model has been extending across globally and there have been many local campaigns that have now sprung up on the guidelines of this organization which is strengthening this movement furthermore.