Inter-Union Solidarity and Strategic Group Identity: Insights from Works Councils in the French Car Industry

In many countries, unions, with conflicting political identities, compete for works council positions. However, inter-union solidaristic forms of cooperation can occur within these same institutions. This article advances the concept strategic group identity to explain makeup, success, failure and longevity in this context. Based on case studies conflict councils French automotive industry, highlights importance congruence examining responses shared threats. Several implications understanding solidarity are developed.