The Determinants of Trade Union Growth in Zambia since Independence

Explanations of union growth and decline are generally linked to trends in the business cycle which are reflected primarily in prices,wages and unemployment – an example of this approach is the Bain and Elsheikh model – explanations not entirely appropriate in a country with a developing economy and one‐party state like Zambia. Finds political factors to be a more influential and more comprehensive explanation of union growth but the relationship between state and trade unions is set to change as a result of recent political changes in Zambia. Suggests effect on trade unions and membership levels will be considerable.