Trade union membership in the Netherlands: never thought about it seriously
Trade union membership in the Netherlands: never thought about it seriously
In this article we address the composition of trade union membership
and reasons for non-union membership in the Netherlands in 2007. From a
theoretical point of view, hypotheses based upon 'voice' theory and 'social
custom' theory are tested. Both theories contribute to the explanation of our
findings, however, the results of the social custom theory are more robust. As
to trade-union membership (26%), the picture which first emerged in the
nineteen eighties, nationally and internationally, is confirmed. Female
workers, temporary workers, young workers, non-western migrant workers
and part-timers are less likely to be members of trade unions than
male workers, permanent workers, older workers, native workers and
full-timers. Of non-members, 40% indicate not to join because they
do not seriously consider union membership. This share is significantly
higher for younger workers (64%), temporary workers (51%), non-western
migrant workers (51%) and part-timers (47%). From a policy point of view,
unions not only have the problem of maintaining membership,
but also of getting non-members to consider membership.
Norm-Based Trade Union Membership: Evidence for Germany
