John Kelly

John Kelly is Professor of Industrial Relations at Birkbeck, University of London, and a Fellow of the College. A prominent figure in the Department of Management since 2003, he transitioned from the LSE where he spent 23 years. His research focuses on industrial democracy, trade unionism, collective action, and social democracy. He has authored seminal works on labor movements, electoral reform, and Trotskyism. His academic rigor is complemented by active engagement in trade unions and political activism.

Education:
- B.A. (First Class) in Psychology, University of Sheffield (1973)
- Ph.D. in Industrial Relations, London School of Economics (1979)

Research Interests:
Explores workplace conflicts, social pacts, ethical socialism, and the revitalization of trade unions. His work bridges theoretical analysis and empirical research, including archival studies and observational methods. Notable themes include the political economy of labor movements and the electoral consequences of industrial action.

Articles Trends:
Focuses on union strategies, electoral impacts of strikes, and comparative labor systems. Recent work examines global Trotskyist movements and labor reforms in India and Western Europe.

• Awards: Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences
• Leadership Roles: Former Head of Department and Research Director at Birkbeck’s Management Department

Labs/Teams: Integral member of Birkbeck’s Management Department, known for fostering collaborative research and institutional growth.