From the Lindsey refinery walkouts to the Vestas factory sit-in, it’s been a hard year for the trade union movement – and with both the economy and the government in a precarious state, the months ahead look set to be even more demanding.
Peter Wilby looks at whether the unions are up to the challenge, while on the following pages we ask leading trade unionists about the impact of recession, Labour’s handling of the crisis, and their hopes and fears in the run-up to next year’s general election.
Plus, our handy guide to unions and useful contacts.






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