Customer Reviews

Building More Effective Unions

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This text can be equally helpful in the field as well as the classroom. Dr. Clark's expertise and research in union building shows through in his logical and clear methods.

A smart and savvy look at the way unions can help in managing our lives. Dr. Clark adds a touch of class to the usual ho-hum union research books. This one is a keeper and one that every student in labor studies and industrial relations should keep on their bedside for moments of clarity in which unionization becomes the clear answer in their lives.

What is it that motivates workers to join and be involved with unions?

Is it something hardwired in their ideology?
Is it their outlook on life?
Is it a simple cost benefit analysis?

Building more effective unions looks at how the development of behavioural sciences applies to labour movement.

The book is full of ideas and insights on what union leaders and union organizers can do based on behavioural science.

Jason Mann, Author: Promoting Your Union: Six strategies to get more organizing leads and union members

They can do that is a common term used by several union officials I have been exposed to. Employees have been observed in huddles with their hands in the middle counting to three, and mocking union stewards by shouting "They can do that" as they break away from the huddle. Funny for a minute, but a serious concern. Labor unions are supposed to be strong and not have excuses for inaction.

After reading Mr. Clark's superb book I concur with what he wrote about the importance of attitudes: "People's behaviors are shaped by their attitudes. Behavioral science has concluded that individuals are not born with their attitudes in place; rather, attitudes are developed by the influences, information, and experiences to which people are exposed." That remains true for union membership.

I also love the example at the end of the book "Member files a grievance that presents a steward with a chance to educate the member about the important role the union plays in bringing due process to the workplace."

Most importantly I agree with the fact that there needs to be a new emphasis on "Organizing" as opposed to "Servicing." Find out what these terms really mean inside the manuscript.

We need co-creators of union power. Labor unions need to become much more than, Contracts-R-Us, a dues collector, and a grievance machine.

This is a book for every union member to get onboard. At a minnimum union leaders need to get this book and start conducting training, and implementing the ideas that are so professionally presented. Loaded with strategies for the 21st century representation of labor!

This book takes a clear look at effectiveness of unions from soup to nuts... from priorities in organizing non-union employees to focusing on priorities once a union is in place. It contains frank and pragmatic discussion and themes that I believe would be useful for union leaders in making the most of whatever circumstances in which they find themselves.