Job Satisfaction in Unions

Examines the relation of job satisfaction to union involvement.a

Job satisfaction is one of those terms that might mean different things to different people. For some, there is no satisfaction in any kind of work. For others, all their personal dignity comes from their job. We can measure job satisfaction in terms of money, benefits, pension schemes, holiday bonuses. We can measure it in terms of the status the work confers on us or in the satisfaction we gain in performing a task well. A good employer will, of course, care about all of these issues. Productivity is, however, their main responsibility. At times, this sets up a conflict between a worker’s job satisfaction and employers’ needs. This then is when unions appear most necessary. Their stated goal is to assure worker’s rights and create a decent working environment. Thus, job satisfaction does have an impact on union membership.