Decline in Trade Union Membership

REASONS FOR DECLINE IN TRADE UNION MEMEBERSHIP

Apart from the fact that trade unions have undergone a process of erosion, it is evident that they have also become less appealing to workers. There are a number of reasons that have contributed to this. Some of them have been underlined below:

Changes in composition of work force
Its basic cause has to do with the changes in the economy that have led to fewer male industrial unskilled workers, and more female service sector workers.

Changes in labor market structure
The labor market has changed dramatically in the last twenty years. Part-time work has increased, more women are in work, and more people work for themselves

Changes in the structure of economy
The economy has been shifting from manufacturing to the service sector. Jobs have continued to decline in industry, construction, and energy-related firms, even when the economy is growing. In contrast, jobs in the service sector - areas like hotel and catering, business services, and health and education - have continued to grow.

Growing emphasis on individual relations
A major reason for decline in trade union density has been the more emphasis that is being paid today to the individual relations. Management now directly deals with individual workers and at the time employment the terms of employment are decided well in advance leaving little work to be done for trade unions and lesser issues for collective bargaining.