Union satisfaction: An australian perspective

Abstract

Against a backdrop of union amalgamations and declining union density, this paper explores discrete elements of (dis) satisfaction that Australian unionists' have with aspects of their union's performance. Previous studies into union satisfaction [principally from the U.S. and Sweden], have focused on two major categories of independent union satisfaction variables: relationship and 'bread and butter' issues. The existing explanations of union satisfaction suggest that most importantly, a union's somewhat intangible resources of time, patience, and availability may be the key to a member's satisfaction with union representation. And, and important, but less so, are members' satisfaction with traditional union 'bread and butter' issues. The findings of this paper concur that relationship issues are quite important in accounting for union satisfaction, but not so for 'bread and butter issues'. From an Australian perspective, it appears that other variables such union performance at an individual workplace, as well as the provision of better union services post-amalgamation best explain the union-member satisfaction conundrum.

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