Abstract
In this study, we examine the predictors of unmet demand for unions in non-union workplaces, using theAustralian Worker Representation and Participation Survey(AWRPS). Unmet demand is defined here, as those employees in non-union workplaces who would be likely to join a union if one were available. We argue that this is the first study in Australia to examine the predictors of unmet demand in non-union workplaces, and, that this is an important line of inquiry given a rise in non-union workplaces and never members in Australia, alongside declining union density and membership numbers. Drawing on three strands of existing literature, namely the individual propensity to unionize, the rise and characteristics of non-union workplaces and alternative forms of representation, and, managerial responsiveness to employees and unions, we develop and test four hypotheses.Our results show, controlling for a range of personal, job and workplace characteristics, that there are two significant predictors of the willingness to join a union in non-union workplaces: perceived union instrumentality (Hypothesis 2) and perceived managerial responsiveness to employees (Hypothesis 4), whereby employees who perceive that managers lack responsiveness are more likely to want to join a union if one were available.These results show that unions must try to enhance their instrumentality in workplaces and could be more effective in recruiting if they targeted never members. The results also show that unions need to have some gauge (measure) of how responsive managers are to employees, and that they can leverage poor responsiveness of managers for membership gain and the extension of organizing. In the final analysis, an understanding of the predictors of unmet demand for unions in non-union workplaces has implications for Australian unions’ servicing and organizing strategies, and for their future growth prospects.
Highlights
The difficulties faced by trade unions in Advanced Market Economies (AMEs) (Towers, 1997; Kohler and Jimenez, 2015; Kretsos and Vogiatzoglou, 2015), including a decline in density and membership, reduced bargaining power and political influence (e.g. Gall, 2005), and the rise of ‘never members’, that is, employees who have never become union members (Bryson and Gomez, 2005; relations industrielles / industrial relations – 72-2, 2017Haynes et al, 2008), have been studied extensively
Using a national survey of employees, the Australian Worker Representation and Participation Survey (AWRPS), we address two important research questions: 1- To what extent are non-union members willing to join a union in non-union workplaces?; 2- What predicts non-union members’ willingness to join a union in non-union workplaces?
We addressed two important research questions: 1- To what extent are non-union members willing to join a union in non-union workplaces?; 2- What predicts non-union members’ willingness to join a union in non-union workplaces?
Summary
The difficulties faced by trade unions in Advanced Market Economies (AMEs) (Towers, 1997; Kohler and Jimenez, 2015; Kretsos and Vogiatzoglou, 2015), including a decline in density and membership, reduced bargaining power and political influence (e.g. Gall, 2005), and the rise of ‘never members’, that is, employees who have never become union members (Bryson and Gomez, 2005; relations industrielles / industrial relations – 72-2, 2017Haynes et al, 2008), have been studied extensively. Unions face a problem of declining instrumentality—that is, a perceived decline in efficiency and effectiveness, manifest in concessions on wages and benefits alongside relentless change in labour markets (Lévesque and Murray, 2006). If trade unions in AMEs are to successfully renew and respond to changed circumstances, what needs to be done? One lever is ‘potential recruits’ or unmet demand: employees who would like to join a union but are not union members (Pyman et al, 2009). Using a national survey of employees, the Australian Worker Representation and Participation Survey (AWRPS), we address two important research questions: 1- To what extent are non-union members willing to join a union in non-union workplaces?; 2- What predicts non-union members’ willingness to join a union in non-union workplaces?
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
