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Unions 21 research has revealed that only 1 in 10 workers are “very satisfied” with the influence they have over decisions that affect their working lives. Low-paid workers are least likely to feel they have a say on issues such as the pace at which they work.
The results come from a YouGov survey of over 2,000 working people commissioned by Unions 21 to be published at TUC Congress on the 13th September to inform the debate about the future of trade unions in modern Britain.
At a time that many workers are facing a squeeze on pay, and concerns about job insecurity are growing, seven out of ten respondents said their job required them to work “very hard” already. Young workers are less likely than others to report opportunities to develop their skills and express lower levels of loyalty to the organisations they work for, but are more likely to encounter problems of unfair wages or unfair discipline.
Despite an increasingly difficult work environment, the results show a strong positive commitment to work. Two
thirds of respondents said that their job is interesting and enjoyable and six out of ten feel loyal to their organisation.
Respondents were generally positive about their relationships with management in the workplace.
Sue Ferns, Chair of Unions 21, said:
“Clearly there is still a key role for unions in protecting workers against unfair treatment. Yet there are interesting survey showed: Enduring belief in the benefits of collective strength. Members highly value
the professional services provided by unions, and non-members also recognise the need for such
support. The challenge to unions to demonstrate that a collective voice is most effectively organised through the union route. Workers are more likely to be ignorant or indifferent to what unions do rather than hostile to union
activity. similarities in respondents’ rating of management and unions on other aspects of performance. Both are well regarded for their knowledge and understanding of the employer’s business and promotion of equal opportunities and both fare poorly for their impact on making work interesting and enjoyable.”
“This research shows the need to renew the debate about the future of trade unions has never been more important.”
Earlier this year Unions 21 published an initial briefing on the survey results focusing on union presence and effectiveness in the workplace. Whilst confirming that there is a plethora of workplace experiences and therefore no simple or singular narrative about unions and the world of work, the survey showed:
-Enduring belief in the benefits of collective strength.
-Members highly value the professional services provided by unions,
-Non-members also recognise the need for such support.
-The challenge to unions to demonstrate that a collective voice is most effectively organised through the union route.
-Workers are more likely to be ignorant or indifferent to what unions do rather than hostile to union activity.
