Guest 683- Registered: 11 Feb 2009
- Posts: 1,052
Barry
the fact that Union membership has declined in the private sector is probably due to: a) the fact that many of these companies are small enought to engage in 'constructive dialogue' and b) the fact that many public sector employers do not offer membership and 'if you want a job here you will not join a union'.
That they are still involved in the public sector is probably due to the size and nature of these businesses whereby local agreements would undermine stability of employment. You only have to go towards London to see the impact of London weighting on recruitment in the public sector. National agreements make more sense and through national system of representation. (OK I know you will dispute that!)
As Keith says Unions do not wield the power they once did but they still provide vital recourse for individuals and groups who would be vulnerable to abuse by unscrupulous employers.