International handbook of trade unions

Edited by John Addison and Claus Schnabel, Edward Elgar, 555 pages, £140.00

This is a comprehensive reference guide to international trade unionism, and if you can get past the cost and the haughty academic tone, it contains useful information.

The chapters on the UK show that, despite the anti-union laws, unionised workers still earn between 10% and 14% more than non-unionised workers, and are fundamental to the welfare state.

The book suggests that there are about 320 million trade unionists globally - or a global union density rate of 23% if the agricultural sector is excluded.

Overall the book is perhaps too pessimistic about the prospects of increasing union membership, but it does provide a sober picture of where the labour movement is at present.