Collective resistance as members' activism and union renewal?

Abstract

This article explores two collective revolts among social workers and midwives. The study departs from previous research on mobilization among feminised occupational groups in Sweden and research on members’ activism as union renewal. Based on interviews with key informants in the two revolts, the results show that the collective revolts serve to address both deteriorated working conditions as well as practices and political priorities within the trade unions. Even if the trade unions support the revolts, the support is restricted and several tensions are shown. Tensions that illustrate the complexities and hardship of union renewal, especially in the public sector.