'Blue-green alliances': Union capacities and prospects as environmental actors

The emergence of coalitions between unions and other organisations has become an increasing focus in academic and policy debate. Such alliances have been identified as a way for unions to revive and renew their sense of purpose while rebuilding their membership base. Social movement scholars in particular have often described these coalitions as a next stage in social movement development, suggesting a limited view of union focus and capacity. These two aspects of analysis have been illustrated with referece to the emergence of blue green alliances involving trade unions and environmental organisations.