Journal Facts

Journal
Journal of Collective Negotiations
ISSN
2167-7816 (print) 2167-7824 (electronic)
Volume
31
Issue
4
Date
1/1/2007

Article Facts

Title
What Have Unions Got to Do With Reverse Privatization?
DOI
10.2190/CN.31.4.b
Authors
  • Cathy-Soleil Cyr-Racine
  • Patrice Jalette
Pages
303-318
Online Date
03/04/2008

Article Links

What Have Unions Got to Do With Reverse Privatization?

Cathy-Soleil Cyr-Racine
Patrice Jalette

DOI: 10.2190/CN.31.4.b

Abstract

Anecdotal evidence shows that unions contribute to reverse privatization, but their role in the process is far from clear. The reverse privatization process, and unions' involvement and capacity to influence it, was extensively studied in four reverse privatization experiences in two Canadian municipalities. The experiences analyzed show that unions acted pragmatically, quite a different image from that depicted in the literature as a one-track-minded opponent of privatization. In all the experiences studied, internal knowledge regarding data collection and computing cost figures was a key union input in the reverse privatization process. These case studies show that public unions can definitely bring value added to the decision-making process regarding public service delivery by reducing local governments' expenses and preventing the waste of taxpayers' money.

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