Satisfaction with Union Representation

Abstract

This study develops and empirically tests a model of satisfaction with union representation using national data from the 1977 Quality of Employment Survey. Overall union satisfaction is specified as a function of union members' expectations concerning union efforts and the perceived outcomes of union performance on (1) bread and butter issues (such as wages and benefits), (2) quality of work issues (such as job interest and workers' voice in the employing organization), and (3) member-union relations (such as the quality of communication between union leaders and members). The results indicate that internal member-union relations and bread and butter issues are much more important than QWL issues in determining members' satisfaction with their union. The determinants of expectations and perceived outcomes are also briefly considered.