Canadian Labour Reporter

8 Canadian HR Reporter, a Thomson Reuters business 2014 guest Column May 26, 2014 68.33% 31.67% Guest contributor Marina Eckert, master's degree candidate in indus- trial relations at Queen's University in Kingston, Ont., weighs in on how public perception of unions dictates their success. If perception dictates reality, then an individual's views on unions will serve as a key predictor as to whether or not she will join and support the labour movement. As such, my research aims to determine how union members feel about unionization compared to non-union work- ers? How do Canadians feel about unions? Are unions still relevant? A recent study surveying 72 Ontarians (59 per cent of which were unionized) offered insight on the relevance unions, interest in union- ization and the impact of the union on the workplace. Respondents were asked whether they belonged to a trade union or not, and whether they, if given the choice, would choose to be union- ized or remain union-free. Given your current status as a unionized worker, would you prefer to remain unionized or union-free? The majority of union members pointed out that, given the choice in their current job, they would want to remain unionized (54.2 per cent). Results indicate interest in unionization was low among non-unionized workers. Thus, it appears unions have a stronghold on their members, but lack attractiveness to non-members. On the other hand, given that union density in 2012 was 31.5 per cent, this is a significant result. The majority of those surveyed are currently unionized (59 per cent), and this group wants to remain unionized. Among those who are not currently unionized, about 40 per cent wish to remain union-free. The survey then queried respondents whether, overall, they ap- proved of labour unions. Overall, do you approve of labour unions? Yes, I approve of labour unions No, I do not approve of labour unions Of the 68 per cent who approve of labour unions, about 14 per cent would like to see them have less influence than they currently hold. Furthermore, this same group of respondents believe the best way for the improvement of working conditions is for the government to pass laws and regulations. Slightly more than one-half of the respondents (59 per cent) believe unions are as relevant today as they have ever been. However, it is in- teresting to draw attention to the fact that 40 per cent of respondents called them unnecessary. This opinion is shared by 31 per cent of those who are currently unionized. So, what does it all mean? A union's ability to achieve collective bargaining goals and secure social reforms largely depends on public solidarity and member sup- port. Unions can be effective, as long as their members and community believe in them. The perception is that unions limit flexibility. So, in order to remain relevant, the labour movement should look towards the youth through empowerment, education and communication and adapting at the bargaining table. Canadian unions need to create a new force that will allow them to grow in a way that current unions cannot. A new union might create a new identity brand, which would allow them to build on past success and new power for workers. If Canadian unions do not change quickly, they will slowly follow their U.S.-based counterparts into a spiralling decline. 31.43 % 68.57 % Currently Unionized 52 % 48 % Never Unionized 54.24 % Unionized 33.90 % Do not know 11.86 % Non- unionized After a merger solidified its place as the largest private sector union in Canada, Unifor has vowed to remain relevant by recruiting untapped groups such as young and temporary workers. For a union, reputation is everything Photo: Mark Blinch/Reuters

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