Shifting sands? trade unions and productivity at Rover Cars

Abstract

This article examines the impact of trade unions on productivity at Rover Cars. Intra‐organisational variables which influence productivity levels at Rover are also considered. It concludes that the positive approach by both management and unions to collective bargaining in the late 1980s yielded significant gains in performance. This endorses the view of the Harvard School of economists who argue that unionism can be a force for greater economic efficiency.