2. Definition of Effective
2
Effective Definition:
a: producing a decided, decisive, or desired
effect
b: impressive, striking
3. What is an Effective Union?
3
Union’s ability to organize new members
Outcomes in collective bargaining
Effect on Society
Extent of union democracy
4. Organizing Measure
4
Percentage of organizing drives wins
Number of represented brought in from wins
Number of members represented who belong
5. Collective Bargaining Measure
5
Non-union wages and benefits
Cost of living
Enforcement of Contract
Needs and expectations of membership
Gains in collective bargaining
7. Society Impact Measure
7
Community support can be effective
Organizing Efforts
Support of bargaining
Support of organizing
Support in the political arena
Requires participation in community activities
8. Democracy Measure
8
“control of the governed, whether in participatory or
representative form.”
Members Involved in union
Members involved in decision making
Members involved in decision implementation
Members involved in the election of representatives
9. Interrelatedness
9
The ability to maintain strong membership
related to ability:
Win gains at the bargaining table
Influence political election
Effectively lobby legislators
10. Member Participation
10
Individuals coming together with common interests
Union effectiveness depends on participation
Participation critical to union success
11. Member Involvement
11
Organizing
Collective bargaining
Contract enforcement
Political action
Community Activities
Requires member confidence - enthusiasm
12. Factor Influence
12
Union effectiveness factors
Member participation
Product market consideration
State of the economy
Technology
Government
13. Influencing Factors
13
State of the
Economy
Product Market
Technology
Considerations
Labor market Union Government
considerations Effectiveness
14. Question
14
The overall performance of the stock market can
impact the effectiveness of a labor union.
True or False
15. Answer
15
The overall performance of the stock market can
impact the effectiveness of a labor union.
True
16. Strong and Effective Union
16
Organize and recruit new members
Win gains at the bargaining
Influence society through community activities
Influence society through political action
Internal democracy is encouraged and
practiced
17. Local Membership
Goal :build a more effective union
Start: local membership
Improve member attitude
Increase member commitment
Increase member participation
18. Local Challenge
18
Mobilize the talents of members
Mobilize the ideas of members
Mobilize the energy of members
We have had the opportunity to discuss the importance and relevance of labor unions in today’s society. Particularly it was pointed out that unions matter and provided you with a number of examples of how unions benefit the worker, both union, and non-union. It was also shared that unions also benefit society as a whole through their efforts to pass sweeping legislation that may benefit all Americans. Then we discussed the importance of democracy and the rights of union members and responsibilities of union officers. It was emphasized that democracy serves as a keystone to build a strong and effective union. Now, we turn our attention to the course textbook “Building More Effective Unions.” Over the semester we will cover a series of topics that will discuss, strategies and tactics that may used to build a strong, and more effective union. Future lessons will be based on the application and usage of behavioral science and how understanding behavior science, when applied, will help build union strength through member commitment and participation. First, in a series of lectures concerning the use of behavioral science, we will start with a look at the meaning of union effectiveness.
Since the word “effectiveness” will be used regularly in our discussion lets examine the meaning its meaning. Often words are used without taking a close look at the definition of a particular word or words. Obviously we know what the word “union” means. When we add the word “effective’ in front of “union” do we really know what an “effective union” seems like, feels like, acts like? The definition of effective, taken from Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary provides two relevant definitions. The first,a: producing a decided, decisive, or desired effect, the second, b: impressive, striking. Now, applying these two definitions, you can ask yourself, is your union producing a desired, decisive or desired effect? Is your union impressive or striking? When you think of your union do you think of your union as impressive because the union’s membership is overwhelmingly committed to, and actually participates in union activities? Are you impressed because your union is incredibly democratic and communicates very effectively. Are you receiving the effect that you desire from your union? Research indicates that a majority of union members feel there union is not effective or could be more effective. Thus, these answers are reasons for creating strategies that will lead to building a stronger and more effective union. Research has grouped the criteria of union effectiveness into three categories, which we review next.
Four measurements are important in measuring the effectiveness of the union. They are, the union’s ability to organize new members; the outcomes in collective bargaining; the impacts on society or community, and the extent of union democracy. To determine if the union is attaining its desired outcome it is important to have some measurement tools to determine the unions effectiveness, or in other words has the union achieved impressive results. Next, We’ll take a closer look the measurement criteria which we are identified on the this slide.
In 1946 membership in unions stood at 34.5 percent of the workforce, as of 2008 membership density stood at 12.4%. It could certainly be said that unions in America are not achieving impressive or striking results when it comes to organizing. Of course there are many factors that have lead to the significant decline in union density, which we will talk about later. Nevertheless, indications of almost 50 years of membership decline would indicate that unions did not adjust, effectively, to changing circumstances. However, in the last two years membership has climbed, halting a nearly fifty year pattern of decline.Both the AFL-CIO and the Change to Win organizations are claiming credit in the slight increase in union membership nationally. But with membership increases measured only in tenths of a percent it is premature to say that these organization have found a complete effectiveness formula. With only a 0.3 percent gain in 2008, unions have a long way to go. Using 34.5% membership as a base starting point, this means membership if membership density is now at 12.4% that means that membership is 22.1% lower than it was in 1946. This means membership density dropped by 2/3 or about 64%Based on these statistics and the measurable criteria above it is clear percentage of organizing wins were down. If you aren’t organizing and winning elections you are unable to show positive gains in the other two criteria, bringing in represented members who actually join the union.
Earlier we compared the difference between union worker wage, benefits, and retirement programs and those of non-union workers. It was shown that union workers clearly enjoy better compensation packages and those not represented by a union. Using the this comparison and one criteria it clear unions have been effective. Using cost of living as measurement unions have not been as successful. Over the last 30 years average union wage gains have not kept up with inflation.Enforcement of the contract is another factor. Unions often emphasize that an agreement is only as good as the enforcement that is used to ensure compliance. Several studies have shown that the union’s ability to enforce the contract has a direct relationship on a member’s attitude toward the union. If the union is failing to enforce the agreement then union members are inclined to lose faith, confidence and in their union, and are then likely to withdraw their support for their union.The needs and expectations that members have towards the collective bargaining process should be a critical consideration when embarking upon any collective bargaining process. The needs and expectations of the membership should be not be overlooked or ignored. Often proposals are submitted without substantial input from the membership. To often proposals are developed, submitted, and negotiated by a committee without determining the desires and priorities of the membership as a whole. Then when the contract is negotiated and ready for ratification it is often inconsistent with the expectations of the general membership. This is another cause of member dissatisfaction and retreat from their union. One way to measure that the needs and expectations have been fulfilled is by overwhelming acceptance of the agreement. This generally indicates that a significant majority of union members felt included and engaged in and informed about, the collective bargaining process, even if, in their minds, the results could have been better. Finally, gains, or not, made in collective bargaining also serves as a measure of the union’s strength, power, and effectiveness.
This graph is adapted from Figure 1.1 “What is an effective union?” This illustrates the interrelated relationships that exist between collective bargaining outcomes, and, the the ability to organize and impact society. Bargaining outcomes affect the ability to organize and impact society. Conversely, the ability to organize impacts bargaining outcomes and the unions impact on society. As discussed in the last slide, the impact on society will affect the bargaining outcomes and the unions ability to organize.
Another way of measuring union effectiveness is its ability to impact and influence society in a manner that society will support the union rather than constantly criticize the union. Society’s support can be an effective tool in the union’s bargaining efforts to secure better wages, benefits, and working conditions. Its support can also be helpful in a union’s organizing effort. The image and opinion, as seen and experienced through the eyes of society, is critical as it relates to the attitudes of people, who are course, society. If the image of society is negative towards the union then it is most likely the union will not receive support.Unions are involved in charitable, service and political activities because this is an additional way to improve the quality of life for its members. A unions overall effectiveness can measured by the ability of the union to mobilize its members to support and participate in the unions work in community activities.
Union democracy has been defined as the “control of the governed, whether in participatory or representative form.” Of course we are talking about the members of the union being governed. We have already discussed I a previous lesson the legal obligations of the union. However, even with the legal obligations of the union, a practical measure of the union, without legal obligations, is the union’s application and practice of effective democracy.The measure of this democracy is determined by examining the level and extent union members are involved in the union’s activities and actions, their involvement in decision making and decision implementation, and their involvement in the election of union officials.
The union’s ability to organize; its collective bargaining outcomes; the union’s impact on society, and its practice of union democracy are highly interrelated. An example of this interrelatedness is if the union is to maintain a strong membership it must have outcomes in bargaining that members support. This in turn significantly increases the likelihood that union members will support and participate in union political activities. Then, assuming union endorsed candidates are elected, the union increases it potential to effectively lobby the former candidate, now elected legislator, possibly resulting in laws that benefit the worker. In contrast if the bargaining outcomes are unsatisfactory to the membership it is more likely that the membership chooses not to be actively involved in, or supportive of, political activities.
A union is individuals coming together with common interests. These interests, among others, include improving wages, benefits, and working conditions through collective bargaining, representation, and political action. The union’s effectiveness depends on member participation. Without significant membership involvement and support, it is unlikely a union can achieve the success it desires. Heavy membership involvement is required in order to have an opportunity for the union to be strong and effective
There are many ways union members may participate in union activities. Members may participate in organizing campaigns, internally and externally, be involved in the collective bargaining process, serving as a steward to enforce the contract, working on political campaigns and getting involved in union supported community activities. As it was discussed before, membership participation opportunities exist but a members enthusiasm to participate in union activities is founded in their attitude. For example a union that is dominated by just few officers or members, and has a history of disappointing bargaining outcomes will most likely experience apathy among its members. Members are inclined to support and be involved in their union activities when they feel trusting, confident and enthusiastic towards their union.
Many factors influence union effectiveness, the most influential being member participation, which we have already discussed. Among the other factors that will be discussed, member participation is the factor that a union has the most influence over.Other factors, include product market considerations, the state of the economy, technology, and government. Product markets refer to supply and demand for the employer’s product and the supply and demand for the workers to make the product. The state of the economy is an important factor. Recently, the state of the economy has had a significant impact on some unions’ effectiveness. Changes in technology, such as robotic manufacturing that reduces the needs for actual workers. Government is another significant factor. A case in point concerning the government is the discussion occurring in congress over the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA).A union hit heavily by several of the factors in this contemporary time is the UAW. (Note: Be sure to listen to the NPR radio program linked to this lesson plan.) This union is deeply affected by the product market, demand for cars is down; their affected by the economy, we are in a deep recession and GM filed bankruptcy; and they are affected by pressures from government to renegotiate their contract. This is not an enviable position for any union to be in.
This is an adapted illustration concerning union effectiveness factors. It is adapted from Figure 1.2, page 11 of the textbook.
It’s time for a review question. Please determine if the following statement is true or false.The overall performance of the stock market can impact the effectiveness of a union.True or False.Take a few seconds and consider your answer.
The answer is true. Remember, the state of the economy is another factor that may impact the union’s effectiveness. The stock market’s overall performance, particularly when the stock market has fallen as deeply as it has since last year, is a significant component of the economy.
Since you are taking this course it is likely you belong to, or are associated, with a union. As we have discussed unions may measure their effectiveness by asking themselves the following questions:Is the union organizing and recruiting new members at an effective level?Is the union winning gains at the bargaining table that overall satisfy its members?Is the union influencing society through its member involvement in community activities?Is the union influencing society by its participation in political action?Does the union practice and apply democratic standards and principles?These questions are not reserved to the national union, but should be asked and answered locally as well.
As Paul Clark, author of our text book; and Elaine Bernard, author of the article, “State of U.S. Labor and Building Union Power presented in the union lecture, each point out that union must build stronger and effective unions locally in order establish a strong and effectively labor movement nationally.To build a strong local union requires commitment from the membership to support and participate in union activities. This will require organizing and retaining active members. The local will need to establish orientation and socialization programs. Member education about, and participation in political action, is essential. Member confidence in the grievance and negotiations process is necessary. Building a stronger union requires improving the image of unions within the community. To be strong and effective will require effective communication and leadership.All of these activities can shape the attitude of the union member and attitude can translate either into member action or member apathy depending if there is positive or negative.
Local and national unions have significant challenges ahead if they are to build strong and effective unions. This will require extensive efforts at the local level. These efforts will require mobilization. Union mobilization is the act of getting members assembled, moving, and acting.This requires the union to mobilize the talents of the members. This requires the union to mobilize the ideas of the members. Building a strong, effective and action oriented union will require that the members be energized. The talents, ideas and energy can then be put into action with the goal of building a strong union.
This concludes this lecture on “Union Effectiveness.” Next topic we discuss “Union Participation.”
