The strategy of political action in union revitalization: Lessons from the telecommunications industry in Australia and Taiwan

This study analyzes how telecommunications unions in Australia and Taiwan struggled for their members' interests in response to privatization during 1996-2004. It argues that union revitalization is based on unions' responses rather than external environments; and although unions' strategic choices are influenced by institutions, what is significant is the reciprocal interconnections between the two. This study highlights the importance of union leaders' decisions and membership participation during privatization. Importantly, unions in Australia and Taiwan can learn from each other's successful experiences in a restructuring environment, such as privatization.