CHAPTER 8 - FINANCES OF THE UNIONS: Problems and costs

Abstract

This chapter presents the finances of the unions during 1960s. Inadequate financing has always been one of the chronic ailments of unions. The reluctance of workers to pay bigger dues comparable to those paid in some other countries is based upon a difference in attitude both to their unions and their leaders. A distinct degree of material self-sacrifice is demanded of most union officers although, in compensation, they enjoy great influence. One of the results of the light cash flow from the members into the unions is that strike pay almost always tends to be at a very low level. The Trades Union Congress (T.U.C.) model provisions for dealing with new members and transfers are not always strictly observed. In the check-off system, whereby the employer deducts union dues from the wage packet and sends the union office a regular check, is widespread and accounts for the much higher proportion of the monies theoretically due being collected.