Kindling Activism? Union Commitment and Participation in the UK Fire Service

Abstract

Using survey data from a UK fire service, this article examines the antecedents of members’ intent to participate in their union. The authors identify three dimensions of intent to participate – in rankandfile activities, in militant activitiesand in standing for union office. Affective union commitment is the main direct determinant of all three. Affective union commitment itself reflects solidaristic prounion beliefs and instrumental union commitment, providing some support for interactionist and rational choice theories. There is also evidence of frustration–aggression effects, with perceived industrial relations climate and pay equity having negative direct effects on intent to participate. Perceived industrial relations climate moderates none of these relationships. Implications for union strategy and renewal are discussed.