1996; Rubin 1986). This literature is similar in many respect to that found in the civil
conflict literature which has indicated the importance of organization and mobilization
(e.g. Gurr and Moore 1997; Snyder and Tilly 1972; Lindstrom and Moore 1997). Other
work has examined the impact of collective identity and the idea of solidarity, indicative
of class consciousness as a factor promoting mobilization, making strikes more likely
(e.g. Gould 1995; Kimeldorf 1999; Roscigno and Danaher 2001; Southwork and Stepan
Norris 2003).
Other research also emphasizes the bargaining position of labor as a source of
strikes. Research on strikes in the United States has also found that increasingly
unionized sectors of the economy are more likely to strike (Cornfield 1985; 1991;
Wallace, Griffin and Rubin 1989). Other work has found that repertoires of militant
collective action are also more likely when union members have a precarious
employment situation (Brueggemann and Boswell 1998; Dubofsky and Van Tine 1977)
forcing unions to become more confrontational to reflect the established cultural practices
and solidarities of workers (Babb 1996; Clemens 1996; Voss 1993). More recent work
has examined the impact of high levels of union density and solidarity amongst members
(Dixon et al. 2004). When both are present the likelihood of striking is increased. In a
related point, some work has argued that previous strike behavior is often a strong
predictor of future militancy (Kimeldorf 1985; Wellman 1995) because of the
establishment of a variety of organizational and interpersonal networks (Minkoff 1997;
Shin 1994). Finally some work has found that the inflationary levels associated with the
business cycle to be a determinant of strike activity (Kaufman 1981).
9
Convention