Advancing understanding of unionization in the hospitality industry: the role of attitudes toward unions and social justice

Abstract

Hospitality, where unions are rare, is a significant employer of women, youth and migrants, many of whom work as temps and part-timers. This translates into modest livelihoods and vulnerability to socio-economic shocks, which has social justice implications. This study explores the mediating role of attitudes toward unions in the relationship between attitudes toward social justice and the intention to join a union at two points in time. It draws on data collected among UK hospitality workers in March 2022 (T1) (N = 253) and February 2023 (T2) (N = 151). The research also examines how circumstances influenced employees’ views and the hypothesized relationships. The results indicate that attitudes toward unions were a full mediator in the relationship between attitudes toward social justice and the intention to join a union at both T1 and T2. Furthermore, there was a positive association between attitudes toward social justice and attitudes toward unions at T1 and T2. The findings suggest that, for hospitality workers and potentially precarious workers at large, the perceived social justice orientation of unions significantly influences their willingness to engage with unions. This thirst for social justice among employees reflects the evolving expectations and values within the labor force. Unions should, therefore, position themselves as champions of a fairer and more equitable society rather than just advocates for individual member interests. The study, while framing the analysis around the concept of social sustainability, contributes to workforce research in tourism and hospitality.