Recent trends in public support for unions in Canada

Article Abstract:

This paper investigates trends in public support for unionism during the 1980s. Comparing data from two western Canadian cities in 1981 and 1987, we examine the impact of the recession of the early 1980s on public perceptions of the role of unions, whether the differences between cities documented during 1981 had increased or decreased by 1987, and if "hard times" had resulted in more nonunion employees expressing a willingness to join a union. There is little evidence of growing support for negative "big labor" opinions about unions in the two cities. Despite a well-publicized labor dispute involving the use of strikebreakers in one city, there was no increase in support for legislation restricting the practice. Residents in the same city, however, were significantly more likely to agree with "business unionism" sentiments, an opinion trend accompanied by a growing willingness to join a union. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Employment, Economic policy, Recessions

---

Public Attitudes Towards Unions: Some Canadian Evidence

Article Abstract:

Surveying residents from the cities of Winnipeg and Edmonton, Krahn and Lowe research Canadian attitudes towards unions. They cite past attitude studies and discuss their limitations. The data is based on two simultaneous studies using identical materials and procedures. Possible responses ranged from 'strongly disagree' with a value of one, to 'strongly agree', value of seven. Results show that individual attitudes toward unions tend to vary according to specific issues. Some of the findings may be useful in formation of union policy and promotion. Difference and similarities between this survey and results obtained in the United States are mentioned.

Surveys, Attitudes, Attitude (Psychology)

---

The involvement of Canadian unions in political activities: an exploratory analysis

Article Abstract:

A conceptual framework is presented that depicts the political activities of public employee unions. The framework explicitly recognizes that access to elected officials affects unions' ability to achieve political influence. Data covering 95 local unions in 26 major Canadian municipalities are used to test the framework. The results generally support the framework and suggest several observations about the effectiveness of union political activities. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Research, Political activity, Political participation, Public employees, Government employees

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Recent trends in British trade union density: how much of a compositional effect? Union recognition and paid holiday entitlement
• Abstracts: Developing a Global Leadership Model. The Role of Training in Developing Global Leaders: A Case Study at TRW Inc
• Abstracts: Sweden: increase in funding for safety delegates. The value of older workers
• Abstracts: Human resource issues and activities in international joint ventures. Employability policy in Dutch organizations
• Abstracts: The performance effects of human resource managers' and other middle managers' involvement in strategy making under different business-level strategies: the case in Hong Kong

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.