Strikes in Europe : an attempt at implementing the bargaining theory model and some empirical tests: France, Italy and the United Kingdom, 1950-1980

Abstract

This study is an attempt to analyze labor conflicts in France, Italy, and the United Kingdom since World War II. More precisely it will focalize on a particular expression of labor conflicts, namely, strikes, which are defined by Hicks as an "abstension from work, usually planned, by a considerable number of workers." This definition includes two elements, the group factor and the organizational factor, that distinguish! strikes from -other forms of work conflicts such as lateness, registered or unregistered sickness, or absenteeism. In fact, these two elements are always present during a strike and contrast with the individuality and the individual willingness which are present in other forms of conflict usually grouped under the heading of "unorganized conflict".