Working Lives Research Institute
Dr Sian Moore, Professor Ali Tasiran and Professor Steve Jefferies
March -July 2006
WERS 2004 GRANTS FUND
In March 2006 the Working Lives Research Institute (WLRI) won a small grant under BERR’s WERS 2004 Grant Fund to undertake secondary analysis of the WERS data. The research explored the impact of workplace representation on industrial relations outcomes. It found that the characteristics of union and non-union representatives, and the industrial relations outcomes in workplaces with union and non-union representatives are significantly different. The research suggests that active union representatives, supported by their union and management, were significantly more likely to perceive that they negotiated with management over terms and conditions, particularly pay. However, individual and organisational characteristics and indicators of union activity and activism are highly inter-related and difficult to disentangle. For example the incidence of disciplinary sanctions is related to union density, which may reflect organisational factors as well as representative activity.
Find the full report here.