This study explores a highly politicized hybrid trade unionism as a distinct path from standard union research, based on union involvement in both social and political causes in the system framework. In doing so, the article examines the recent literature on highly politicized and vibrant hybrid trade unionism in Nepal from a critical perspective of broader historical observations and developments. The article uncovers previously unexplored and unnoticed drivers of Nepal’s highly politicized hybrid trade unionism. The conclusion highlights the existence of this unusual model, which gives hope and lessons to energize pessimistic labour relations scholars, who have witnessed a very long period of union decline and decay in the face of globalization.
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