Why Employees Join Trade Unions
Human beings are rational creatures. They typically act rationally in various aspects of their lives. Similarly, workers approach the decision to join a union with a rational mindset, assessing whether union membership will be beneficial. This decision is often based on a cost-benefit analysis. If the perceived benefits outweigh the costs, the decision to join a trade union is justified.
Researchers have devoted considerable time and effort to understanding why employees choose to join unions. However, they have not been able to identify a universal set of reasons that apply across all organizing efforts.
Despite this, there is general consensus among labor experts that certain key issues frequently lead to unionization drives. These include:
1. Job Security
Employees desire job stability and assurance that management will not make arbitrary or unfair decisions regarding their employment. Unions are viewed as a safeguard that can protect workers from unjust layoffs, unfair recall procedures, or biased promotions.
2. Wages and Benefits
Since employees work to earn a livelihood, wage-related issues are central to unionization. Workers often believe that collective strength through a union can help ensure fair and competitive wages, as well as benefits such as medical coverage, pensions, paid sick leave, vacation, and holiday entitlements.
3. Working Conditions
Employees prefer a healthy and safe work environment. While laws exist to guarantee occupational safety, many employees feel more secure when their union is actively involved in monitoring and advocating for workplace health and safety standards.
4. Fair and Just Supervision
The era of authoritarian leadership in the workplace is largely over, in part due to the influence of trade unions. Unions have contributed to a shift from autocratic to democratic, people-oriented management styles. Today, employees expect to be treated fairly and with respect. Disciplinary actions must be supported by “just cause,” and any perceived mistreatment can be challenged through a formal grievance procedure involving both union and management representatives.
5. Powerlessness
Employees often feel powerless when acting individually, especially when trying to effect positive change in the workplace. A union offers a collective voice, enabling employees to express dissatisfaction and advocate for improvements. This collective strength is rooted in the labor movement’s philosophy: “Unity is strength.”
6. Need to Belong
Humans are inherently social beings, and the need to belong is strong in both personal and professional contexts. A union provides a platform for solidarity, where workers not only pursue common job-related goals but also participate in social events and programs that foster camaraderie and a sense of belonging among members.
Conclusion
When management fails to provide job security, fair compensation, safe working conditions, respectful supervision, opportunities for participation in decision-making, and a sense of inclusion, employees are more likely to be motivated to join a union. This conclusion is well-supported by empirical research.
