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Why do workers leave unions? Group differences between workers in CCOO-Catalonia

Author

Listed:
  • Pere Jódar

    (Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona)

  • Ramon Alós

    (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona)

  • Sergi Vidal

    (Bremen International Graduate School for Social Sciences, Universität Bremen)

Abstract

This article analyses the characteristics of members leaving trade unions in Spain – specifically the Catalonia branch of Workers' Commissions (CCOO-Catalonia) – alongside their reasons for leaving, using a variety of data sources. Our findings indicate higher union attrition among members in more precarious employment situations (i.e. temporary employment, low seniority). In general, union leavers confirm that their job situation is an important reason for leaving the union. We therefore conclude that efforts made by unions to support members in vulnerable labour market positions are also important in order to reduce rates of union attrition. Cet article analyse les caractéristiques des membres qui quittent les syndicats en Espagne – plus particulièrement la branche catalane des Commissions ouvrières (CCOO-Catalonia) – ainsi que les motifs de leur départ, en utilisant des données provenant d’un large éventail de sources. Il montre que la désyndicalisation concerne davantage les membres qui connaissent une situation d’emploi plus précaire (par ex. emploi temporaire, ancienneté limitée). En général, ceux qui quittent le syndicat confirment que leur situation professionnelle est un motif important d'abandon du syndicat. Nous concluons dès lors que les efforts consentis par les syndicats pour soutenir les membres qui se trouvent dans des positions vulnérables sur le marché du travail sont également importants pour réduire le taux de désyndicalisation. Dieser Beitrag untersucht die Merkmale von Gewerkschaftsmitgliedern, in diesem Fall Mitgliedern des katalanischen Gebietsverbandes der CC.OO, die aus der Gewerkschaft ausgetreten sind, sowie die Gründe, die sie dazu veranlasst haben. Die Analyse von Daten aus unterschiedlichen Quellen zeigt, dass vor allem Gewerkschaftsmitglieder in prekären Beschäftigungsverhältnissen (das heißt mit zeitlich befristen Arbeitsverträgen oder kurzer Betriebszugehörigkeit) aus der Gewerkschaft austreten. Im Allgemeinen geben die Betroffenen an, dass ihre berufliche Situation ein wichtiger Grund für den Austritt aus der Gewerkschaft war. Um die Zahl der Abgänge zur verringern, ist es daher wichtig, dass die Gewerkschaften auch Anstrengungen unternehmen, um Mitglieder mit einer unsicheren Stellung auf dem Arbeitsmarkt zu unterstützen.

Suggested Citation

  • Pere Jódar & Ramon Alós & Sergi Vidal, 2011. "Why do workers leave unions? Group differences between workers in CCOO-Catalonia," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 17(4), pages 471-484, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:treure:v:17:y:2011:i:4:p:471-484
    DOI: 10.1177/1024258911419758
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stephen Machin, 2004. "Factors of Convergence and Divergence in Union Membership," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 42(3), pages 423-438, September.
    2. Pere Jódar & Sergi Vidal & Ramon Alós, 2011. "Union Activism in an Inclusive System of Industrial Relations: Evidence from a Spanish Case Study," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 49(Supplemen), pages 158-180, June.
    3. Josep Banyuls & Fausto Miguélez & Albert Recio & Ernest Cano & Raúl Lorente, 2009. "The Transformation of the Employment System in Spain: Towards a Mediterranean Neoliberalism?," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Gerhard Bosch & Steffen Lehndorff & Jill Rubery (ed.), European Employment Models in Flux, chapter 10, pages 247-269, Palgrave Macmillan.
    4. Jelle Visser, 2002. "Why Fewer Workers Join Unions in Europe: A Social Custom Explanation of Membership Trends," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 40(3), pages 403-430, September.
    5. Richard Hyman, 1997. "The Future of Employee Representation," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 35(3), pages 309-336, September.
    6. Nicola‐Maria Riley, 1997. "Determinants of Union Membership: A Review," LABOUR, CEIS, vol. 11(2), pages 265-301, June.
    7. Jeremy Waddington & Colin Whitston, 1997. "Why Do People Join Unions in a Period of Membership Decline?," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 35(4), pages 515-546, December.
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