National Study Suggests 16% of Workers Favor Unionization
Questar recently conducted a national survey of over 1,000 employees that explored opinions about unions and the factors that influence those opinions. The sample was taken from individuals in sectors where interest in unionization is higher. The percent of individuals in favor of unionization varied by industry, ranging from 13% in manufacturing to 27% in transportation.
Minneapolis, MN, March 29, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Questar recently conducted a national survey of over 1,000 employees that explored opinions about unions and the factors that influence those opinions. The sample was taken from individuals in sectors where interest in unionization is higher (such as utilities, manufacturing, transportation and retail). Of those surveyed, 14% were currently represented by a union.
Of those not represented by a union, 16% indicated they would likely vote in favor of a union if they had a choice. These individuals feel a union would improve treatment of employees, levels of compensations and benefits, and how fairly decisions are made. The percent of individuals in favor of unionization varied by industry, ranging from 13% in manufacturing to 27% in transportation.
Those who believed that their jobs will soon be eliminated– a third of those sampled – are more than 2.5 times more likely to vote for a union (25% likely compared to 10%).
“This is particularly important for businesses for two major reasons,” explains Dr. Anna Erickson, Director of Consulting for Questar’s Organizational Insights Group. “First, the anxiety many employees feel over the possibility that they may be laid-off is increasing the proportion of people who would vote for a union. Second, legislation like the EFCA [Employee Free Choice Act] – or some compromise of the original bill – would make it easier for employees to organize.
“Interestingly, we found no difference in levels of concern over job security between those who are represented by a union and those who are not. This is true even though this concern is shown to be a key driver in deciding to join a union.”
Results from the study have been used to develop a union vulnerability index by focusing on the areas where smaller improvements can have a relatively larger impact on unionization decisions.
“Although there isn’t much that companies can to do lessen the fear of unemployment, there certainly are areas where executives can have an impact on their employees and decisions to organize,” says Dr. Erickson.
The index can help organizations spot problems that, if resolved, could lead to happier, more engaged and productive workers and a more profitable business – in effect making the union unnecessary in the eyes of their employees.
Questar is one of the nation’s leading research firms specializing in Organizational Research. Questar provides solutions for some of the nation’s best known and largest organizations across a diverse range of industries. For more information about Questar or the unionization study, please visit www.questarweb.com or call 1-800-688-0126.
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Of those not represented by a union, 16% indicated they would likely vote in favor of a union if they had a choice. These individuals feel a union would improve treatment of employees, levels of compensations and benefits, and how fairly decisions are made. The percent of individuals in favor of unionization varied by industry, ranging from 13% in manufacturing to 27% in transportation.
Those who believed that their jobs will soon be eliminated– a third of those sampled – are more than 2.5 times more likely to vote for a union (25% likely compared to 10%).
“This is particularly important for businesses for two major reasons,” explains Dr. Anna Erickson, Director of Consulting for Questar’s Organizational Insights Group. “First, the anxiety many employees feel over the possibility that they may be laid-off is increasing the proportion of people who would vote for a union. Second, legislation like the EFCA [Employee Free Choice Act] – or some compromise of the original bill – would make it easier for employees to organize.
“Interestingly, we found no difference in levels of concern over job security between those who are represented by a union and those who are not. This is true even though this concern is shown to be a key driver in deciding to join a union.”
Results from the study have been used to develop a union vulnerability index by focusing on the areas where smaller improvements can have a relatively larger impact on unionization decisions.
“Although there isn’t much that companies can to do lessen the fear of unemployment, there certainly are areas where executives can have an impact on their employees and decisions to organize,” says Dr. Erickson.
The index can help organizations spot problems that, if resolved, could lead to happier, more engaged and productive workers and a more profitable business – in effect making the union unnecessary in the eyes of their employees.
Questar is one of the nation’s leading research firms specializing in Organizational Research. Questar provides solutions for some of the nation’s best known and largest organizations across a diverse range of industries. For more information about Questar or the unionization study, please visit www.questarweb.com or call 1-800-688-0126.
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Contact
Questar
Liz Giel
651-688-1910
www.questarweb.com
Fax: 651-688-0546
Liz Giel
651-688-1910
www.questarweb.com
Fax: 651-688-0546
Contact
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