Summaries
Leaving the Union: A Dynamic Approach A. Daalder and 0. van der Veen
In this article we try to find a model to explain exit behaviour of trade union members. The theoretical model is based on a combination of theories of Olson and Hirschman. In order to find a model for exit behaviour we use a dy namic approach with discrete time event his tory analysis. This method of analysis enables the use of time-dependent covariates. Data are collected using computer-assisted retrospective interviews. The 594 respondents are a repre sentative sample of people who at least once joined a trade union in the Netherlands.
The model shows significant effects for atti tude, membership duration, membership of the parents and some background variables. Impor tant events which have an effect on the pro bability to leave are job changes and unemploy ment. The results show a significant improve ment in the fit of the model when time-varying covariates and membership duration are in cluded.
A survey concerning the elections of
representatives of workers in Flanders (Belgium), 1991: determinants of voting turnout and the vote for a union
M van Oramberen and H. De Witte
Voting turnout and the vote for the Christian or socialist union in Flanders (Belgium) are as sumed to be determined by four groups of vari ables: background characteristics, needs (such as the need for protection), ideological factors (such as attitudes) and the social context of workers (such as the voting behaviour of col leagues). 306 respondents were interviewed by phone in the weeks after they had voted in 1991. Voting turnout and the vote for a union were analysed in two ways: by asking for mo
tives (direct method) and by comparing (a) vo ters and non-voters and (b) voters for the Chris tian versus those for the socialist union on the determinants mentioned above (indirect method). The results show that the social con text plays a dominant role in explaining both turnout and the vote for a union. Non-voting is due to structural reasons as well (e. g. no elec tions were held due to a lack of candidates). The vote for a union is also determined by aspects of pillarization, such as membership of a sick-fund of Christian or socialist origin. The implications of these findings for trade unions are discussed, referring to the importance of strengthening and intensifying the implantation of the union at the workplace.
Dutch trade federations and the conflict about the Disability Benefits Act
Media discourse and union members' willing ness to engage in industrial action
S. Coslinga and P. 0. Klandermans
In 1991 the Dutch government published plans to reduce the costs of the disability benefit sys tem by limiting the benefits and the number of beneficiairies. Most Dutch trade unions did not agree with the proposed governmental plans. The three largest trade federations together or ganized actions on a national scale to oppose to the plans. In this article public discourse about the conflict and its consequences for union members' participation in actions is examined. Newspaper and union-magazine articles - taken as a reflection of public discourse - and data from a four wave longitudinal survey among union members were analysed. It is concluded that public discourse played a limited but cru cial role in the mobilization of the constituency for action. Limited, because public discourse provided a limited narrative. Crucial, because
Summaries the information that was provided placed the
trade federations opposite to the government and thus influenced union members' opinions and willingness to engage in action.
Intention of union members to become a union activist and intention of activists to stop their union activities
A Survey among Union Members and Activists of the Dutch National Federation of Christian Trade Unions, cnv
M. Hoekstra and G. van der Veen
In the nearby future, Dutch trade unions have to make a greater appeal on their active trade union members. For this reason, a survey was conducted among trade union members (the po tential activists) and trade union activists of the Dutch National Federation of Christian Trade Unions, CNV, and three affiliated unions. The main purpose in this survey was to supersede the motives of people to aspire a position as ac tivist. The results pointed out that union mem bers who are asked for an activist function and who value collective and individual outcomes of the activities of union activists will more likely have an intention to become a union ac tivist. The amount of time these activities con sume proved to be the most important obstacle to become or remain a union activist. The re sults are discussed in relation to the possibili ties to optimize the methods of recruitment and support for union activists.
Are members of a trade union (still) moved by an ideology? A review of the importance of
ideological factors as determinants of trade union participation in the Flemish part of Belgium H. De Witte
Research concerning the role of ideology as a determinant of trade union participation in the Flemish part of Belgium is reviewed. Four kinds
of participation are highlighted: joining a union, voting in elections of the representatives of the workers in the works councils, becoming a un ion activist and participation in industrial ac tion (such as strikes). For each form of partici pation, attention is also given at the role of ide ology in the choice between the two largest un ions: the Christian and the socialist union. The results show that ideological factors are much more important determinants of participation when union participation requires more effort. Especially socio-economic progressiveness plays an important role in motivating members to participate in industrial action or in becom ing a union activist. Socio-cultural attitudes play a more important role in the decision be tween the Christian and the socialist union. Fi nally, ideology seems to play a somewhat more important role as determinant of trade union participation among members of the socialist union, than among members of the Christian union.
Social benefit receipients and their union C. de Bruin and P.C. Klandermans
This article attempts to explain why some union members resign while others stay when they lose their jobs because of unemployment, dis ability, or (early) retirement. Twenty percent of Dutch union members is not working for either of these reasons, while on the other hand, a sig nificant proportion of those who stop working quit their union. Members and ex-members of a Dutch union who were on different types of so cial security filled out questionnairs (total n= 392) and were interviewed (total n= 31). Instru mentality of union membership and union commitment appear to be the two main factors determining whether union members leave or stay when they stop working. Some implica tions of these findings are discussed.
